FDA reports on shortage of anesthesia drug

The Food and Drug Administration on April 23 said it is working to address recent shortages of propofol injection, a fast-acting drug used to induce and maintain anesthesia or sedation. The agency has temporarily allowed the importation of Fresenius Propoven 1%, a comparable product sold in other countries.

The shortage began in fall 2009 after two U.S.-based manufacturers halted distribution of the drug and recalled several lots because of quality problems, leaving only one U.S. supplier of the drug. According to FDA, the two companies affected by the quality problems anticipate restoring full production by this fall.

For more information, visit www.fda.gov.