05-18-2023

DIGIFAB® BACKORDER & SHORTAGE

DIGIFAB® BACKORDER & SHORTAGE

May 18, 2023

On May 10, 2023, BTG International Inc declared a shortage (because of increased demand) of DigiFAB®. The expected improvement in supply is anticipated to be July 31, 2023.

Poison Centres in Canada have been made aware of this shortage and that the majority of available product has an expiry date at the end of May. Poison Centres are recommending that Hospitals keep expired stock to be used if necessary. A direct consult to your Poison Centre regarding any particular patient with acute or chronic digoxin toxicity will help the bedside clinician make a decision about expired DigiFAB® treatment.
 
It might be that urgent borrowing of product from surrounding hospitals may be necessary. Prior arrangements to do this should be considered.
 
Health Canada has approached the manufacturer for official extension of the expiry date. We await their response.