Bupivacaine Hydrochloride Injection Shortage: FDA Updates Availability and Manufacturer Status
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The FDA reports a current shortage of Bupivacaine Hydrochloride Injection due to increased demand, with mixed availability across major manufacturers.
What this FDA drug-shortage notice tells you, and what most readers miss
This notice was issued by FDA on April 6, 2026 and geographically references United States. Its severity classification of "low" signals how the issuing agency weighs the risk of harm if no action is taken - "critical" and "high" tier alerts typically carry direct consumer actions, while "medium" and "low" tend toward informational guidance or monitoring advisories. The category it belongs to - Drug Shortages - determines the regulatory framework behind it, which shapes what mitigations (alternative therapies, allocation timelines, manufacturer guidance) are available and which agency holds oversight.
Most readers skim a notice like this, check whether they are personally affected, and move on. The more useful lens is to verify its scope, source, and timestamp, then compare related notices without assuming that one record proves a broader trend.
Areazine pairs this record with the original agency URL so you can check the primary source before acting. Its related labels are drug-shortage, fda, medication, Bupivacaine Hydrochloride.
What's in Shortage
Bupivacaine Hydrochloride Injection, a medication used for anesthesia, is currently listed in shortage. This includes brand-name versions such as Sensorcaine and Sensorcaine MPF. The shortage affects various strengths of the injection, including 2.5 mg/1 mL, 5 mg/1 mL, and 7.5 mg/1 mL presentations.
Which Manufacturers Are Affected
Two primary manufacturers are listed in the FDA database with the following statuses:
- Eugia US LLC (888-238-7880): All listed presentations of Bupivacaine Hydrochloride Injection (2.5 mg/1 mL, 5 mg/1 mL, and 7.5 mg/1 mL) are currently Available. The manufacturer advises checking with wholesalers for current inventory.
- Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC (888-386-1300): This manufacturer reports mixed availability for its Sensorcaine products:
- Unavailable: Sensorcaine 2.5 mg/1 mL (NDC 63323-464-31) and Sensorcaine 5 mg/1 mL (NDC 63323-466-31).
- Available: Various other presentations of Sensorcaine in 2.5 mg/1 mL, 5 mg/1 mL, and 7.5 mg/1 mL strengths remain available. Wholesalers should be contacted for inventory updates.
Why There's a Shortage
According to the FDA, the primary reason for the current shortage is a demand increase for the drug.
What Patients Should Do
If you are scheduled for a procedure requiring anesthesia, please be aware of this supply update. Patients should:
- Consult with their healthcare provider or surgeon regarding the availability of medications for their specific procedure.
- Speak with a pharmacist if they have questions about local supply.
- Contact the manufacturers directly using the phone numbers provided above for the most recent distribution information.
Disclaimer: Patients should always consult their healthcare provider for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment options. Do not make changes to your medical care without professional consultation.
Source
Information provided by the FDA Drug Shortage Database.
- Initial Posting Date: 02/20/2018
- Last Updated: 02/05/2026
Original source: FDA Official Notice ↗
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