4/23/2024

Erythromycin Ophthalmic Ointment

Products Affected - Description

- Erythromycin ophthalmic ointment, Bausch Health, 0.5%, 1 gram tube, 50 count, NDC 24208-0910-19
- Erythromycin ophthalmic ointment, Bausch Health, 0.5%, 3.5 gram tube, 1 count, NDC 24208-0910-55
- Erythromycin ophthalmic ointment, Fera Pharmaceuticals, 5 mg/gram, 1 gram tube, NDC 48102-057-11

Reason for the Shortage

- Akorn has ceased operation in February 2023.
- Bausch Health has erythromycin ophthalmic ointment on shortage due to increased demand.
- Padagis discontinued erythromycin ophthalmic ointment in August 2023.
- Armas has erythromycin ophthalmic ointment available.

Available Products

- Erythromycin ophthalmic ointment, Armas Pharmaceuticals, 0.5%, 1 gram tube, 50 count, NDC 72485-0670-31
- Erythromycin ophthalmic ointment, Armas Pharmaceuticals, 0.5%, 3.5 gram tube, 1 count, NDC 72485-0670-35

Estimated Resupply Dates

- Bausch Health has 0.5% erythromycin 1 gram unit-dose presentations and 3.5 gram tubes on back order and the company estimates a release date of late-April to early-May 2024.
- Fera Pharmaceuticals has limited supply of the imported product.

Alternative Agents & Management

- FDA is allowing Steri-Med to temporarily import erythromycin ointment from Fera Pharmaceuticals. This product is made in Canada. A Dear Healthcare Provider letter is available at https://www.fda.gov/media/173348/download.
- CDC recommends ceftriaxone given intravenously or intramuscularly as an alternative during this shortage. More details can be found at: https://www.cdc.gov/stiapp/gonorrhea_neonates.html

Updated

Updated April 23, 2024 by Michelle Wheeler, PharmD, Drug Information Specialist. Created July 8, 2022 by Michelle Wheeler, PharmD, Drug Information Specialist. © 2024, Drug Information Service, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT.

Disclaimer

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