MANUFACTURER SUPPLY REDUCTION CAUSES DRUG SHORTAGE

The Ministry of Health is monitoring the province's drug supply after being advised by drug manufacturer Sandoz Canada of its plans to reduce production capacity at its facility in Boucherville, Québec. This has impacted provinces and territories across Canada.

The ministry, Health Canada, Regional Health Authorities (RHAs) and the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency are working together with Sandoz Canada to better understand the scope of the shortages and develop a plan to minimize the impact to patients.

The affected drugs are mostly injectable products which are used primarily in hospitals, institutional settings and the Cancer Agency, including anesthesia, antibiotics, pain management and anti-nausea medications.

The ministry has established its incident management protocols to serve as a central point of contact for RHAs and the Cancer Agency to share information and assess inventories.

RHAs and the Cancer Agency are taking the following steps to mitigate the impacts:

• Stock levels of all products are being reviewed and monitored across the province on a daily basis.
• Alternative suppliers are being explored.
• Clinical alternatives are being identified.

The ministry will continue to work with health system stakeholders to monitor the situation.

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For more information, contact:

Tyler McMurchy
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083
Email: tyler.mcmurchy@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-537-3594