We are writing to let you know that there is a nationwide shortage of albuterol. Albuterol is used to treat asthma symptoms, which could potentially heighten with more pollen in the air triggering allergies. The resources listed below can help you make the appropriate medical decisions with your health care provider if you are experiencing shortages. We recommend that you speak to your physician if you are currently on the albuterol inhalation solution and if possible, request a prescription for an albuterol inhaler.
Recommendations from the Allergy and Asthma Network www.allergyasthmanetwork.org
What to do if you’re unable to get your albuterol inhaler?
- Contact your primary care doctor or asthma specialist – other inhaler options including generics are available, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI).
- Visit online pharmacies for availability of albuterol medications as well as potential discounts. GoodRx, Singlecare, Medicine Assistance Tool, Amazon Pharmacy, CostPlus Drug Company and/or Needymeds may be able to fill your prescription.
- Check your inhaler to see if it still contains medicine in it. If necessary, you can use a recently expired albuterol inhaler as it probably is still at least partially effective, ACAAI says.
- Follow your Asthma Action Plan and avoid your asthma triggers to prevent flare-ups.
- Do not overuse your albuterol inhaler, ACAAI advises. One canister should last for months. If you’re using a quick-relief albuterol inhaler more than twice a week to relieve asthma symptoms, that’s a sign your asthma may not be well controlled and you should see an asthma specialist.
3/9/2023- Information about the Albuterol Shortage from the AHFS
Albuterol Inhalation Solution
Products Affected – Description
- Albuterol Sulfate inhalation solution, Akorn, 0.5% 5 mg/mL, 20 mL bottle, 1 count, NDC 50383-0741-20 – discontinued
- Albuterol Sulfate inhalation solution, Mylan (Viatris), 0.083% 3 mL (2.5 mg), Unit-of-use vial, 25 vials per foil pouch, 25 count, NDC 00378-8270-52
- Albuterol Sulfate inhalation solution, Nephron Pharmaceuticals Corporation, 0.5% 2.5 mg/0.5 mL, Unit-of-use vial, 30 count, NDC 00487-9901-30
- Albuterol Sulfate inhalation solution, Nephron Pharmaceuticals Corporation, 0.083% 3 mL (2.5 mg), Unit-of-use vial, 25 count, NDC 00487-9501-25
- Albuterol Sulfate inhalation solution, Nephron Pharmaceuticals Corporation, 0.083% 3 mL (2.5 mg), Unit-of-use vial, 30 count, NDC 00487-9501-03
- Albuterol Sulfate inhalation solution, Nephron Pharmaceuticals Corporation, 0.083% 3 mL (2.5 mg), Unit-of-use vial, 1 vial per foil pouch, 30 count, NDC 00487-9501-01
- Albuterol Sulfate inhalation solution, Ritedose, 0.083% 3 mL (2.5 mg), Unit-of-use vial, 25 vials per foil pouch, 25 count, NDC 76204-0200-25
- Albuterol Sulfate inhalation solution, Ritedose, 0.083% 3 mL (2.5 mg), Unit-of-use vial, 30 vials per foil pouch, 30 count, NDC 76204-0200-30
- Albuterol Sulfate inhalation solution, Ritedose, 0.083% 3 mL (2.5 mg), Unit-of-use vial, 1 vial per foil pouch, 30 count, NDC 76204-0200-01
- Albuterol Sulfate inhalation solution, Ritedose, 0.083% 3 mL (2.5 mg), Unit-of-use vial, 2 pouches of 30 vials, 60 count, NDC 76204-0200-60
- Albuterol Sulfate inhalation solution, Sun Pharma, 0.083% 3 mL (2.5 mg), Unit-of-use vial, 5 vials per foil pouch, 30 count, NDC 47335-0703-52
- Albuterol Sulfate inhalation solution, Sun Pharma, 0.083% 3 mL (2.5 mg), Unit-of-use vial, 5 vials per foil pouch, 60 count, NDC 47335-0703-54
Reason for the Shortage
- Akorn ceased operations in February 2023.
- Mylan (Viatris) did not provide a reason for the shortage.
- Nephron Pharmaceuticals has albuterol inhalation solution on shortage due to a manufacturing issue.
- Ritedose has albuterol inhalation solution on allocation due to increased demand.
- Sun did not provide a reason for the shortage.
Available Products
- Albuterol Sulfate inhalation solution, Mylan (Viatris), 0.083% 3 mL (2.5 mg), Unit-of-use vial, 30 vials per foil pouch, 30 count, NDC 00378-8270-93
- Albuterol Sulfate inhalation solution, Mylan (Viatris), 0.083% 3 mL (2.5 mg), Unit-of-use vial, 1 vial per foil pouch 30 count, NDC 00378-8270-55
- Albuterol Sulfate inhalation solution, Mylan (Viatris), 0.083% 3 mL (2.5 mg), Unit-of-use vial, 30 vials per foil pouch 60 count, NDC 00378-8270-91
Estimated Resupply Dates
- Mylan (Viatris) has albuterol sulfate 0.083% inhalation solution in 3 mL 25 count packages on intermittent back order and the company is releasing supplies as they become available.
- Nephron has albuterol sulfate 0.083% and 0.5% inhalation solution on back order and the company estimates a release date in March 2023.
- Ritedose has albuterol sulfate 0.083% inhalation solution on allocation.
- Sun Pharma has albuterol sulfate 0.083% inhalation solution on allocation.
DISCLAIMER
Drug Shortage Bulletins are copyrighted by the Drug Information Service of the University of Utah and provided by ASHP as its exclusive authorized distributor. ASHP and the University of Utah make no representations or warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to such information, and specifically disclaim all such warranties. Users of this information are advised that decisions regarding the use of drugs and drug therapies are complex medical decisions and that in using this information, each user must exercise his or her own independent professional judgment. Neither ASHP nor the University of Utah assumes any liability for persons administering or receiving drugs or other medical care in reliance upon this information, or otherwise in connection with this Bulletin. Neither ASHP nor the University of Utah endorses or recommends the use of any particular drug. Any application of this information for any purpose shall be limited to personal, non-commercial use.