Veterinary Medicine Supply Problem: Isoflurane

The VMD have been informed of a short term supply problem for some veterinary medicinal products containing isoflurane which are indicated for use as an anaesthetic agent.

The following shortages have been reported to the VMD directly by the Marketing Authorisation Holder (MAH):

• IsoFlo100% w/w Inhalation Vapour, liquid (Vm: 42058/4195) – due to a manufacturing problem with the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API), Zoetis is out of stock of IsoFlo. Supply is estimated to return in January/February 2019.
• Vetflurane 1000mg/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.

For details of the supply situation for individual UK authorised products, please contact the MAHs.

If veterinary surgeons identify and wish to use a suitable alternative product authorised outside of the UK to cover their immediate needs, an Import Certificate application can be submitted to the VMD.

Applications should only be submitted after attempts to obtain UK authorised product (veterinary or human) have been unsuccessful, and each application will be assessed on its individual merits.