TIKOSYN Shortage — January 2010

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TIKOSYN Shortage — January 2010

Pfizer has informed health care professionals of a shortage of 60 count bottles of TIKOSYN® 125 mcg capsules effective immediately. Pfizer notes this product shortage is a result of its efforts to use the 125 mcg to alleviate prior shortage issues with 250 and 500 mcg and not the result of any efficacy or safety issues with TIKOSYN.

TIKOSYN® (dofetilide) 125 Microgram Capsules Shortage
(60 Count Bottle)

The following letter was received by the Heart Rhythm Society on January 22, 2010:

Dear Certified TIKOSYN Healthcare Professional:

Pfizer is writing to inform you of a shortage of the 60 count bottle of TIKOSYN 125 mcg capsules. This shortage is effective immediately. This product shortage resulted from Pfizer’s efforts to use the 125 mcg to alleviate prior shortage issues with 250 and 500 mcg and not the result of any efficacy or safety issues with TIKOSYN. Pfizer is committed to working as quickly as possible to resolve the situation; the 125 mcg (60 count bottle) inventory is scheduled to be replenished within a few weeks. We will provide notification once the issue is resolved.

Pfizer is working diligently to manage the current inventory of 125 mcg capsules to ensure that as many patients as possible can receive their supply of Tikosyn 125 mcg capsules during this limited period. We anticipate that the current plan to manage inventory will enable patients to receive a continued supply of the 125 mcg capsules. To accomplish this, Pfizer is requesting the assistance of certified TIKOSYN physicians and pharmacists who order and dispense Tikosyn capsules.

Physicians:

If you are prescribing 125 mcg capsules of TIKOSYN for your patients, Pfizer asks that you please write a prescription for either

one 40 count bottle of TIKOSYN 125 mcg capsules; or,
two 14 count bottles of TIKOSYN 125 mcg capsules

The intent of the two 14 count or the one 40 count prescription is to provide TIKOSYN patients with, at minimum, a two week supply of product until the shortage is resolved.

Pharmacists:

Please continue to follow normal ordering procedures with your wholesalers when patients present Rx’s for Tikosyn 125 mcg capsules, whether the TIKOSYN prescription is for one 40 count or two 14 count bottles.

Remember, all orders should be faxed to: 1(800) 211-3775

Pfizer is working to have the shortage of 60 count bottles of 125 mcg Tikosyn capsules resolved as soon as possible. If you have any product-related questions, please call Pfizer Medical Information at 1(800) 438-1985. Pfizer sincerely apologizes for the inconvenience to you and your patients.

Please see more prescribing information for TIKOSYN.