This page has been archived on the Web
Information identified as archived is provided for reference, research or recordkeeping purposes. It is not subject to the Government of Canada Web Standards and has not been altered or updated since it was archived. Please contact us to request a format other than those available.
Archived - Supply of streptomycin sulphate for injection
- Starting date:
- June 30, 2000
- Posting date:
- June 30, 2000
- Type of communication:
- Dear Healthcare Professional Letter
- Subcategory:
- Drugs
- Source of recall:
- Health Canada
- Audience:
- Healthcare Professionals
- Identification number:
- RA-17000105
Notice about Health Canada advisories
Therapeutic Products Programme
Holland Cross, Tower "B"
2nd Floor, 1600 Scott Street
Address Locator # 3102D1
OTTAWA, Ontario
K1A 1B6
June 30, 2000
00-021478
To: Health Care Professional
Dear Health Care Professional:
Re: Supply of streptomycin sulphate for injection
This letter is to advise you of the potential for shortages of streptomycin sulphate. Pfizer Canada Inc., the sole approved manufacturer in Canada, is discontinuing manufacture of this product due to the unavailability of drug substance.
Streptomycin sulphate is an essential component of the treatment of certain forms of drug resistant tuberculosis and other life-threatening infectious diseases. Physicians are encouraged to carefully consider alternative therapeutic choices, in order to conserve the existing stocks of drug, and to reserve its use for those patients in most critical need.
The Therapeutic Products Programme of Health Canada, has taken steps to identify alternative sources of supply and to facilitate the importation and distribution of streptomycin sulphate.
In the event of shortages, product will be released through the Special Access Programme on an as needed basis. This is an interim measure pending review and approval of Canadian applications for marketing authorization received from alternative sources. Requests for access to streptomycin sulphate should be prepared according to the .../2 instructions in the 2000 Compendium of Pharmaceutical Specialties (CPS), page L19, and directed to:
Special Access Programme
Bureau of Pharmaceutical Assessment
Therapeutic Products Programme
Tel No.: (613) 941-2108
Fax No.: (613) 941-3194
Your cooperation in assisting us in the resolution of this supply issue is greatly appreciated.
Original signed by/
Robert G. Peterson, M.D. Ph.D. MPH
Associate Director General