Opioid Shortage

While additional information is still forthcoming, below are IVAPM-endorsed resources and links, where you can find up-to-date information from boarded veterinarians, the AVMA and the FDA.

As more information becomes available, we’ll post it here and on the member portal for review.

IVAPM

UPDATE 02.01.19: Opioid Shortage will Remain Throughout 2019

Pfizer has released an updated statement about the shortage of sterile injectables. While the situation is improving, it will be towards the end of 2019, beginning of 2020 before the issues is resolved. Click here to read more.

Opioid Availability! (12.14.18)

The FDA announced that it has worked with Pfizer Inc. to help alleviate a shortage of certain injectable opioids available to treat pain in animals, by facilitating the availability of a limited amount of product labeled for human use. The FDA had already given Pfizer permission to import Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection to help alleviate the ongoing opioid shortage in human medicine. As a result of CVM’s recent discussion with Pfizer, this product is now available in limited quantities for pain management in animals. In addition to hydromorphone, Pfizer also has made Morphine Sulfate Injection, USP available to the U.S. veterinary market. (FDA)

To read the full article, click here.

Opioid-Sparing Task Force releases White Paper for review – click below to read and learn more!

Opioid-Sparing Pain Therapy in Animals: Working Task Force
- Footnotes
- References

Remember, there are two opioids developed specific for veterinary use:

While these opioids are not as potent as some of the opioids that are on shortage, they are still opioids! Use these opioids for mild to moderate pain and as part of a multimodal protocol. This is especially true of butorphanol because it has a very short duration of analgesia (a little less than an hour in a canine and roughly 90 minutes in a feline). The IVAPM has discussed the availability of these opioids and a Zoetis representative assured us that the supply of these drugs is not likely to be interrupted.

Here are links to some articles of interest recently posted under Resources — > Articles.

Pfizer Suspends Delivery of Injectable Opioids to Veterinary Customers, By American Veterinarian
Why Doctors Don’t Use Alternatives to Opioids, By The Washington Post
Pain Relief Without Opioids? It’s Possible!, By Tamara Grubb, DVM, PhD, DACVAA

AVMA

What Veterinarians Need to Know About the Opioid Epidemic, By JAVMA News
AVMA Policy: The Veterinary Profession’s Role in Addressing the Opioid Epidemic
- This policy outlines the objectives and efforts supported by the AVMA to address the national opioid epidemic.
State-by-State Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (AVMA login required)
- This link summarizes state laws and regulations, showing the extent to which veterinarians are required to participate in prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs), including reporting requirements and database search requirements.
State-by-State CE Requirements (AVMA login required)
- This link summarizes state laws and regulations defining veterinary continuing education requirements as it relates to specific provisions to opioids and/or other controlled substances.
Vet Shopping & Drug Diversion (AVMA login required)
- Once logged in, you can download a printable resource to use in your back office and help your staff identify “vet shoppers” in an effort to combat drug diversion.
Prescription Writing & DEA Guidelines for Prescriptions

FDA

Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, MD, Statement: New resource Guide to Support Responsible Opioid Prescribing for Pain Management in Animals
The Opioid Epidemic: What Veterinarians Need to Know
Click here to read about which drugs are in shortage, their manufacturers and any information on when the shortage could potentially be resolved
Click here to read more about opioid analgesic risk evaluation and mitigation strategies (not veterinary specific)
Click here to read an article about pet owners using their animals to gain access to opioids