Health Canada is working with US-based pharmaceutical company Amphastar to address the recent Tier 3 shortage of injectable glucagon products (Glucagon for injection, rDNA origin & GlucaGen Hypokit rDNA origin).
In April of this year, supply information shared by Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk, the two manufacturers of glucagon products in Canada, outlined a shortage of glucagon by mid-July. However, to ensure all those who use glucagon for injection as a critical treatment for low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), Health Canada is working with Amphastar to import their glucagon injectable product as early as this month (June 2023). Health Canada is taking this step, as drugs in or at risk of Tier 3 shortages may be eligible for exceptional importation and sale.
As well, to ensure a stable supply of glucagon products going forward, Health Canada is also working with Amphastar to support them through the regulatory process for a new DIN submission. Health Canada is hopeful that with Amphastar’s authorization, the supply in Canada will be stabilized.
Diabetes Canada understands that for many living with diabetes, glucagon for injection is critical for the treatment of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). People living with diabetes who use this product are urged to speak with their physician/health-care team.
For additional information please contact Amphastar Customer Service at 1-800-423-4136 or info@amphastar.com.
For additional information on the discontinuation of Glucagon Emergency Kit (Glucagon for injection, rDNA origin) please contact Eli Lilly at their Customer Response Centre 1-888-545-5972 from 9 am – 5 pm Eastern Time, Monday through Friday.
For information on the supply shortage of GlucaGen® (glucagon, rDNA origin), please contact Novo Nordisk Canada’s main distributor, Paladin Labs: 1-866-340-1112 or paladincs@endo.com