VMD update on isoflurane shortage

A statement released by the VMD has said, due to ongoing UK supply problems with isoflurane-containing products, it has recently assessed the following products for import under the Special Imports Scheme:

• IsoFlo Vet 100% (Zoetis) from Germany
• IsoFlo vapour liquid inhalant (Ecuphar) from Spain
• Isoflurin 1,000mg/g inhalation vapor, liquid (VetPharma Animal Health) from Spain
• Aerrane liquid for inhalation (Baxter) from Italy
• Isoflurane USP (Piramal Enterprises) from the US
• Isotroy (isoflurane IP) 250ml (Troikaa Pharmaceuticals) from India
• Isoflurane USP liquid for inhalation (Piramal Enterprises) from India

Apply online

Vets can apply online for an import certificate for these products, or alternative products from outside the UK via the VMD’s special imports online application system.

The VMD reminds vets every effort should be made to first obtain a UK authorised product, prior to using a product under the prescribing cascade.

For details of the supply situation for individual UK-authorised products, contact the marketing authorisation holder (MAH) or a wholesale dealer.

Shortage update

The following shortages of isoflurane-containing products have been reported to the VMD directly by the MAH:

• IsoFlo 100% w/w inhalation vapour, liquid (Vm: 42058/4195) – due to a manufacturing problem with the active pharmaceutical ingredient, Zoetis is out of stock of IsoFlo. Supply is estimated to return in January/February 2019.
• Vetflurane 1,000mg/g inhalation vapour, liquid (Vm: 05653/4166) – due to a high demand for isoflurane products, Virbac is out of stock of Vetflurane. Supply is estimated to return in March 2019.