Shortage of Pain Relief Drugs due to Manufacturing Issue

December 13, 2017 — 

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is reporting a shortage of three pain relief drugs: fentanyl, morphine and hydromorphone. The shortage is due to upgrades being made at a pharmaceutical manufacturing plant in Kansas, and is unrelated to any federal policies on opioids or manufacturing quotas, according to FDA officials. You can find full details about the shortage on the FDA's official drug shortage webpage. The AVMA has received several inquiries about the shortage and has expressed concern to the FDA about the impact on animal health and welfare. The FDA is working with manufacturers to rectify the situation.