Diamorphine Supply Issue
Update from British Medical Association (BMA)
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and NHS England have been made aware of a manufacturing issue from one of their suppliers of Diamorphine 5mg and 10mg injection. There are currently two suppliers of Diamorphine injection in the UK; Accord and Wockhardt. Recently Accord’s plant in Germany has experienced quality issues and the DHSC is working closely with Accord, regulators, and others to resolve these issues.
Based on current usage and remaining stock, there is the potential for supplies of Diamorphine 5mg to be depleted week commencing 4 June and diamorphine 10mg injection week commencing 11 June. Further supplies are currently expected the week commencing 28 June.
· The DHSC is working closely with the remaining supplier, Wockhardt, to secure further supplies for (See attached file: Patient information - diamorphine FINAL.DOCX) the UK market from July, and are continuing work with Accord to resolve the manufacturing issues.
· The DHSC has been working with national clinical leads and specialists to discuss alternatives. The UKMi has published guidance to help support this supply issue, available here:
· The recommended alternative is morphine injection; the DHSC are in discussions with all the manufacturers to ensure that any additional demand can be met.
· Further information includes the Patient Safety Alert on high dose morphine and diamorphine available here.
· Also attached is patient information that has been developed by NHS England to support this medicine supply issue.
Recommended local actions:
· Please order responsibly during this time, in line with historical demand, and do not stock pile to avoid lengthening the stock out period.
· Review and share UKMi clinical guidance and engage with clinical colleagues to review / amend clinical guidance accordingly.
· Morphine 10mg injection will be available to cover the Diamorphine supply issue in June. Please only order extra stock of Morphine as Diamorphine injection becomes unavailable locally and do not stock pile.
· Please cascade this message to all relevant networks in primary care including GPs, pharmacies and palliative care networks.
DHSC and NHSE will continue to work with all stakeholders and provide further updates as available.