SUPPLY OF STREPTOMYCIN SULPHATE FOR INJECTION

Date: 2000-06-30

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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