Latest Updates
(Year 2024)
Deletion of Drug from Formulary: Pravastatin 20mg Tablet
Please be informed that in line with the decision of the Drugs and Therapeutic (D&T) Sub-Committee Meeting No. 04/2023, the committee has agreed to discontinue the supply of Pravastatin 20mg tablets with immediate effect, once the remaining stock of the medication in the Pharmacy Department has been fully supplied.
Your prompt dissemination of this information to all staff under your supervision is greatly appreciated, and we thank you in advance.
Notice Regarding Change In Strength And Volume Of Methylene Blue Injection
Please be informed that the current supply of Methylene Blue is from a different brand, namely Proveblue 0.5% Injection with different strength and volume. Please refer to the diagram shown:
All categories of staff involved in prescribing, supplying, and handling this medication in their duties must exercise caution to avoid dosing errors.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in ensuring that this information is disseminated to all staff under your supervision.
Notice Regarding Change of Medication For Mouth Ulcer Treatment
It is hereby informed that the current supply of medication for mouth ulcer treatment is Oral Aid Gel, which contains active ingredients different from the Muco-Aid lotion that was used previously.We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in ensuring that this information is disseminated to all staff under your supervision.
Notification of Registered Product Recall: APO-AMITRIPTYLINE 10MG TABLET
We regret to inform you that a letter from the supplier company dated October 21, 2024 informs that the use of the mentioned medicine with the specific batch number (TW2842) should be stopped immediately. This is due to the presence of N-nitrosonortriptyline (NNORT) in quantities exceeding the allowed limit (more than 2.5ppm).Consequently, all locations holding stock of this medication are requested to return it to the Inpatient Pharmacy, Level 1, Menara Utama, before 25th November 2024.
Your prompt dissemination of this information to all staff under your supervision is greatly appreciated, and we thank you in advance.
Notification of Registered Product Recall: REXOM MIST MAGNESIUM TRISILICATE 120ML
We regret to inform you that a letter from the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA), Ministry of Health Malaysia, dated 19th November 2024 (Reference No. NPRA.600-1/9/10 (370) Jld.2) has instructed that the use of the mentioned medication be discontinued immediately as it contains chloroform/chloroform spirit, a prohibited preservative. As an alternative, Magnesium Trisilicate Compound Tablet can be used for treatment.Consequently, all locations holding stock of this medication are requested to return it to the Inpatient Pharmacy, Level 1, Menara Utama, before 25th November 2024.
Your prompt dissemination of this information to all staff under your supervision is greatly appreciated, and we thank you in advance.
Notice Regarding Disruption of Supply: Fentanyl 12mcg/hour Patch.
We regret to inform you that the production of Fentanyl 12mcg/hour Patch has been discontinued by the manufacturer. A supply disruption is expected for an indefinite period while the Pharmacy imports an alternative stock supply. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this period of supply disruption and hope this information is disseminated to all staff under your supervision.
Notice Regarding Disruption of Supply: Bupivacaine 0.5% w/v + Adrenaline 1:200,000 Injection.
With regards to the above matter and No. SP PPUM: 068/2024 dated 6th February 2024, we regret to inform you that the supplier company has still not been able to resolve the supply disruption of Bupivacaine 0.5% w/v + Adrenaline 1:200,000 Injection.Our team is currently working on importing an alternative product supply, which is expected to arrive around February 2025. This extended timeline is due to the difficulties in obtaining NPRA approval to import an alternative product to one that is already registered in Malaysia.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this period of supply disruption.
Notice On New Medication Listed in UMMC Formulary: Nimodipine 30mg Tablet
We are pleased to inform you that Nimodipine 30mg Tablet, which was approved to be included in the UMMC Formulary during the Drug & Therapeutic Committee (D&T) Meeting No. 04/2023, is now available to be prescribed under the following conditions:
Prescriber: Neurosurgery Team
Indication: Subarachnoid haemorrhage
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in ensuring that this information is disseminated to all staff under your supervision.
Notice Regarding Disruption of Supply: Ketamine 500mg/10mL Injection
We regret to inform you that the stock of Ketamine 500mg/10mL injection supply across the country is disrupted due to issues with the raw material. The restoration of supply is expected to be around end of December 2024. Hence, the available stock of Ketamine 500mg/10mL available in UMMC is reserved for emergency use only. It is suggested to use midazolam, propofol or fentanyl as an alternative to ketamine for the time being. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this period of supply disruption.
Notice Regarding Change In Strength And Volume Of Pethidine Injection
Please be informed that the current supply of Pethidine Injection is from the same brand, namely Demothine Injection, but with different strength and volume. Please refer to the diagram shown:
All categories of staff involved in prescribing, supplying, and handling this medication in their duties must exercise caution to avoid dosing errors.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in ensuring that this information is disseminated to all staff under your supervision.
Notice Regarding Update On Bisoprolol Supply Conditions
We are pleased to announce that, following discussions by clinical experts in September 2023 regarding adjustments to antihypertensive medications, it has been decided to replace the use of atenolol and carvedilol (at doses exceeding 6.25 mg twice daily) with bisoprolol.
Therefore, the supply of bisoprolol will be effective immediately.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in ensuring that this information is disseminated to all staff under your supervision.
Notice Regarding Updated Guideline for Dose Conversion from Simvastatin to Atorvastatin
In line with the decision from The Drugs & Therapeutics (D&T) Meeting (No. 02/2023), the anti-cholesterol treatment using simvastatin will be replaced with atorvastatin effective immediately upon depletion of the remaining stock.
The following are the updated dose conversion as compared to the earlier recommendation (with reference to SP PPUM: 635/2023 dated December 29, 2023) :-
❗️ Conversion:-Previously : Simvastatin 10mg Once At Night❗️Now : Atorvastatin 10mg Once DailyPreviously : Simvastatin 20mg Once At Night❗️Now : Atorvastatin 10mg Once Daily
Previously : Simvastatin 40mg Once At Night❗️Now : Atorvastatin 20mg Once Daily
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in ensuring that this information is disseminated to all staff under your supervision.
Notice Regarding Drug Supply Restoration: Sulbactam 500mg + Ampicillin 1000mg Injection, Sodium Tetradecyl Sulfate 3% Injection
We are pleased to inform you that the supply of the following medications has been restored to its normal state, as follows:Sulbactam 500mg + Ampicillin 1000mg Injection (with reference to SP PPUM: 418/2024 dated August 13, 2024)
Sodium Tetradecyl Sulfate 3% Injection (with reference to SP PPUM: 453/2024 dated August 29, 2024)
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during the period of supply disruption.
Notice Regarding Disruption of Supply: Sodium tetradecyl sulfate 3% injection
We regret to inform you that the stock of Sodium tetradecyl sulfate 3% injection is at a minimum level and is in the process of being imported. The restoration of supply is expected to be around end of September 2024.We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this period of supply disruption.
Notice Regarding Drug Supply Restoration: Pantoprazole 40mg Injection
We are pleased to inform you that the supply of the following medication has been restored to its normal state, as follows:Pantoprazole 40mg Injection (with reference to SP PPUM: 302/2024 dated June 11, 2024)
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during the period of supply disruption.
Notice Regarding Disruption of Supply: Ampicillin 1000mg Sulbactam 500mg Injection
We regret to inform you that a manufacturing issue has caused a disruption in the supply of Ampicillin 1000mg Sulbactam 500mg Injection, with no projected date for supply restoration. Existing stocks will be restricted to cases positive for Acinetobacter baumannii only.Alternative Solution: Co-Amoxiclav 1200mg Injection
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this period of supply disruption.
Notice Regarding Medication Replacement: Carvedilol 25mg Tablet To Be Replaced With Bisoprolol 5mg Tablet
With reference to the above matter, please be informed that the Drugs & Therapeutics (D&T) Meeting (No. 02/2023) has agreed to discontinue the supply of Carvedilol 25mg Tablet effective immediately upon depletion of the remaining stock.
The following are the suggested conversion:-
Carvedilol 25mg BD --> ❗️New : Bisoprolol 10mg ODCarvedilol 12.5mg BD --> ❗️New : Bisoprolol 5mg ODCarvedilol 6.25mg BD --> No changes
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in ensuring that this information is disseminated to all staff under your supervision.
Notice Regarding Temporary Medication Replacement: Pantoprazole 40mg Injection To Be Replaced With Esomeprazole 40mg Injection
We would like to inform you that Pantoprazole 40mg Injection will be temporarily replaced with Esomeprazole 40mg Injection.Old : Pantoprazole 40mg Injection❗️New : Esomeprazole 40mg Injection
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in ensuring that this information is disseminated to all staff under your supervision.
Notice Regarding Change in Strength: Ketamine Injection
We would like to inform you that the new stock of Ketamine Injection has a different strength compared to the previous stock, as follows:-Old : Ketamine 200mg/20mL Injection (Strength: 10mg/mL)❗️New : Ketamine 500mg/10mL Injection (Strength: 50mg/mL)
Therefore, the current dosage regimen for Ketamine Injection will leave a remainder when using the new Ketamine 500mg/10mL Injection. The remaining vial can still be used within 28 days if stored at a temperature range of 2-8°C. Ward staff are reminded that Ketamine Injection must be stored in a LOCKED refrigerator in compliance with the Handling of Dangerous Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (DD) in Wards and Clinics Standard Operating Procedures (AK-8.5-PHS-001-020).
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in ensuring that this information is disseminated to all staff under your supervision.
Notice Regarding Resumption of Supply: Gliclazide 60mg M/R Tablets
We are pleased to inform you that the supply of Gliclazide 60mg M/R Tablets has been fully restored.We appreciate your patience and understanding during the period of supply disruption and apologize for any inconvenience it may have caused.
Medication Replacement Notice: Tacrolimus 0.5mg Capsule (Prograf) To Be Replaced With Tacrolimus 0.5mg M/R Capsule (Advagraf)
With reference to the above matter, please be informed that the Drugs & Therapeutics (D&T) Meeting (No. 02/2022) has agreed to discontinue the supply of Tacrolimus 0.5mg Capsule (Prograf) from the Outpatient Pharmacy effective immediately upon depletion of the remaining stock.
Nephrology Specialists have agreed to use Tacrolimus 0.5mg M/R Capsule (Advagraf) as a replacement for Tacrolimus 0.5mg Capsule (Prograf) under the following criteria:
Supplied to kidney transplant patients recorded in the 'Immunosuppressant 2019' subsidy list of PPUM only.
Patients must be referred to the respective specialist clinic for a prescription switch.
A subsidy fee of RM200.00 will be charged to self-paying patients for a one-month supply.
Patients found unable to tolerate Tacrolimus 0.5mg M/R Capsule (Advagraf) and reverted by the specialist to Tacrolimus 0.5mg Capsule (Prograf) or deemed unsuitable for the switch may purchase Tacrolimus 0.5mg Capsule (Prograf) at full price from PharmUMMC Pharmacy.
New kidney transplant patients and other immunosuppressant treatments using Tacrolimus 0.5mg Capsule (Prograf) may purchase supplies from PharmUMMC Pharmacy.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in ensuring that this information is disseminated to all staff under your supervision.
Notice Regarding Disruption of Supply: Gliclazide 60mg M/R Tablets
It is with regret that we inform you of a manufacturing issue causing a disruption in the supply of Gliclazide 60mg M/R Tablets without a projected date for supply restoration. Orders for alternative supply through our secondary supplier are also affected. Additionally, all efforts to obtain stock loans have proven unsuccessful.The Pharmacy Department of PPUM is also endeavoring to import alternative stock, subject to approval from the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA), Ministry of Health Malaysia.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during the period of supply disruption.
Notice Regarding Disruption of Supply: Hepatitis B Immunoglobulin 100units/0.5mL Injection
We regret to inform you that the entire country is currently experiencing a disruption in the supply of Hepatitis B Immunoglobulin 100units/0.5mL Injection due to manufacturing issues. The current inventory of Hepatitis B Immunoglobulin 100units/0.5mL Injection (Hepabig) in our pharmacy has an expiry date of April 6, 2024. Currently, the anticipated restoration of supply (by the sole distributor in Malaysia) is expected by the end of April 2024.The Pharmacy Department of PPUM is also endeavoring to import alternative stock, subject to approval from the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA), Ministry of Health Malaysia.
Notice Regarding Drug Supply Restoration: Ampicillin 500mg Injection, Albumin Human 5% Injection
We are pleased to inform you that the supply of the following medications has been restored to its normal state, as follows:Ampicillin 500mg injection (with reference to SP PPUM: 039/2024 dated January 26, 2024)
Albumin Human 5% Injection (with reference to SP PPUM: 441/2023 dated September 27, 2023)
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during the period of supply disruption.
Notice Regarding Disruption of Supply: Hepatitis B 10mcg/0.5mL Injection (Pediatric)
We regret to inform you that there is currently a disruption in the supply of Hepatitis B 10mcg/0.5ml Injection (Pediatric) due to manufacturing issues. Our supplier, Pharmaniaga Marketing Sdn Bhd, is unable to provide a confirmed timeline for when the supply will be restored.Alternative Solution:
To ensure continued treatment for pediatric patients, we recommend the use of Hepatitis B 20mcg/1mL Injection (Adult) with the following dosage guidance:Pediatric Dosage: 1 dose = 0.5mL* (equivalent to 10mcg HBsAg)*1 vial of Hepatitis B 20mcg/1mL Injection (Adult) contains 2 pediatric doses
Please note: Hepatitis B 20mcg/1mL Injection (Adult) and Hepatitis B 10mcg/0.5mL Injection (Pediatric) are similar in appearance and name, which falls under the LASA (look alike sound alike) category. Hence, it is crucial for all staff involved in medication administration to exercise caution during dosage calculations. We strongly advise implementing a double-checking process during both preparation and administration to ensure accuracy.
The stability of this vaccine after vial opening is 6 hours at a temperature of 2 to 8 degrees Celsius. Therefore, it is requested that wards adhere to the medication storage procedures outlined in the Arahan Kerja Pemantauan Ubat Rangkaian Sejuk dan Peti Sejuk (AK-8.5-PHS-018-040-E01).
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during the period of supply disruption.
Notice Regarding Drug Supply Restoration: Potassium Dihydrogen Phosphate 10mmol/10mL Injection and Factor VIII 250 units Injection
We are pleased to inform you that the supply of the following medications has been restored to its normal state, as follows:Potassium Dihydrogen Phosphate 10mmol/10mL Injection (with reference to SP PPUM: 486/2023 dated October 19, 2023)
Factor VIII 250 units Injection (with reference to SP PPUM: 060/2024 dated February 2, 2024)
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during the period of supply disruption.
Notice Regarding Disruption of Supply for Paxlovid 150mg + 100mg Tablets
We would like to inform you that our existing Paxlovid 150mg + 100mg Tablets are set to expire on February 29, 2024. Additionally, the Ministry of Health Malaysia (KKM) will no longer provide allocations for this medication anymore and hence we will not keep this in our formulary anymore.Therefore, all medical officers involved are requested to refer patients in need of treatment with this medication to private pharmacies outside of PPUM or relevant KKM facilities to obtain a fresh supply.We appreciate your attention to this matter and cooperation in ensuring the continued care of patients.
Temporary Supply Disruption: Brimonidine 0.1% Eye Drops
We want to bring to your attention a temporary supply disruption that the pharmacy is currently facing for Brimonidine 0.1% Eye Drops. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.Key Information:
Supply Disruption: Brimonidine 0.1% Eye Drops
Expected Resumption: April 2024
Alternative Solution:
To ensure the continuous care of our valued patients, we are providing a suggested alternative during this period of disruption. We recommend transitioning to Brimonidine 0.15% Eye Drops, which will be readily available until the stocks for Brimonidine 0.1% Eye Drops are replenished.Medication Supply Disruption: Bupivacaine 0.5% w/v Adrenaline 1:200,000 Injection
Pharmacy is currently facing supply disruption for Bupivacaine 0.5% w/v Adrenaline 1:200,000 Injection.Stocks for Bupivacaine 0.5% w/v Adrenaline 1:200,000 Injection are expected to resume in Apr-2024.Medication Supply Disruption: Factor VIII 250units Injection
Pharmacy is currently facing supply disruption for Factor VIII 250units Injection.Stocks for Factor VIII 250units Injection are expected to resume by early of Mar-2024.Medication Supply Disruption: Ampicillin 500mg Injection
Pharmacy is currently facing supply disruption for Ampicillin 500mg Injection and unfortunately the supplier is unable to predict when the supply will resume.Existing stocks will be reserved for targeted treatment (i.e. Enterococcus sp infection) only.
Intrapartum prophylaxis against Group B Streptococcus (GBS)Suggested alternative: Benzylpenicillin Injection or Cefazolin Injection
Empirical treatmentSuggested alternative: Ampicillin-Sulbactam Injection or Co-Amoxiclav Injection