November 2022 formulary update - effective November 9, 2022
Included in the update:
Newsroom
The issue: Due to the shortage of Canadian-labelled lorazepam 4 mg/mL X 1 mL vials from Sandoz, Health Canada has authorized the importation of a US-labelled product from Hikma.
The issue: Haloperidol 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg, 5 mg and 10 mg oral tablets are on backorder from the only manufacturer in Canada (Teva). NH has a good supply of haloperidol 1 mg tablets, but stock levels of all other strengths may not meet future demands.
The issue: Calcitonin 200 units/mL X 2 mL injectable is on backorder from the only manufacturer in Canada. Some NH supply will also be expiring on October 31st, 2022, resulting in stock levels of approximately 3 to 4 weeks remaining.
During the 2022-2023 respiratory season, Northern Health microbiology labs will be performing multiplexed testing and reporting for influenza A, influenza B, RSV and SARS-CoV-2 when requested for eligible individuals.
Issue: Ondansetron 4 mg and 8 mg oral disintegrating tablets (ODT) are formulary restricted in BC for use in patients who are unable to tolerate other available dosage forms (regular oral tablets, oral liquid, and injection).
The issue: Commercial ibuprofen oral liquid products are currently on backorder from all vendors in Canada. NH has approximately four to five weeks of stock in pharmacies and clinical areas based on historical use, and may stock out if conservation efforts are not carried out.