DIGIFAB® SHORTAGE
June 14, 2025
DIGIFAB® SHORTAGE
The Ontario Poison Centre has been advised that there is a very limited supply of DigiFAB® for purchase from the manufacturer. No further Canadian-authorized stock will be available for an unknown time as per the shortage report linked here: Drug Shortage Report for DIGIFAB. This shortage is expected to continue for many weeks to months. The current stock (with an expiry date of January 2025) has been officially approved for a shelf-life extension to October 2025. Health Canada has also recently approved the exceptional importation of UK-authorized DigiFAB. However, quantities of this will be limited and will be reserved to sites most in need. Please contact the market authorization holder for more information on distribution of this product.
The Ontario Poison Centre recommends that hospitals keep expired stock to be used if necessary. Many patients with chronic digoxin toxicity can be managed with fluid resuscitation and supportive care. Stock should be reserved for the acutely poisoned cardiac glycoside patient.
The Canadian Association of Poison Centres and Clinical Toxicology (CAPCCT) has advised Health Canada that hospital pharmacies not release Digifab® until consultation with the local Poison Centre has occurred. This direct consult to your Poison Centre regarding any particular patient with acute or chronic digoxin toxicity will help the bedside clinician make a decision about DigiFAB® treatment. Urgent borrowing of product from surrounding hospitals may be necessary. Prior arrangements to do this should be considered.
Dr. Margaret Thompson, MD
Ontario Poison Centre
Canadian Association of Poison Centres and Clinical Toxicology (CAPCCT)