NEWS - MTX (methotrexate) shortage

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American College of Rheumatology

Drug Alerts & Information

Methotrexate Availability Reduced Through 12/04

The major producer for the methotrexate injectable, American

Pharmaceutical Partners Inc is currently on backorder for production of

methotrexate 50 and 200mg, 25mg/ml injectable vials with preservative.

The methotrexate without preservative 200mg, 25mg/ml in 8ml size is

currently the only injectable that is available through the American

Pharmaceutical Partners (APP). The preservative free ingredient for this

product is benzyl alcohol and the American Pharmaceutical Partners has

advised that if the preservative - free methotrexate is ordered, it

should only be used as a single dose as there is no data or research to

insure its stability.

The senior marketing director for APP has indicated that they are

anticipating having the medicine back on the market between the 3rd and

4th week of December. If you have specific questions in regards to the

product there is a medical information line, (800) 551-7176, which has a

pharmacist available for your questions.

Please talk with your wholesale distributor to obtain methotrexate

without preservative until production is resumed at the American

Pharmaceutical Partners Inc.

http://www.rheumatology.org/practice/drugalerts/index.asp

I'll tell you where to go!

Mayo Clinic in Rochester

http://www.mayoclinic.org/rochester

s Hopkins Medicine

http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org