When did the propofol shortage begin?
The propofol shortages began in the fall of 2009. Two U.S.-based manufacturers of propofol halted distribution and recalled several lots of propofol products because of quality problems. This action left only one company to supply propofol to the entire United States. The two companies affected by the quality problems are working to restore full production of propofol, which is anticipated to occur by fall 2010. This timeline is reflective of the complex and often long lead-time necessary to manufacture sterile injectable drug products.
