Sufentanil Citrate Injection Shortage: Current Availability and Manufacturer Updates

Source: FDA · United States

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The FDA reports an ongoing shortage of Sufentanil Citrate Injection, a medication used for analgesia and pediatric care, with updates regarding manufacturer availability.

What this FDA drug-shortage notice tells you, and what most readers miss

This notice was issued by FDA on February 17, 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 remedies (refunds, replacements, recalls, evacuations) are available to affected individuals and who holds statutory responsibility for enforcement.

Most readers skim a notice like this, check whether they are personally affected, and move on. The more useful lens is to read it as a data point about the issuing system: how quickly FDA detected the hazard, how precise the geographic or product-identifier scope is, and whether similar notices have clustered in the same category or region in the last 90 days. Cluster patterns frequently precede a broader regulatory action — a single localized FDA drug-shortage notice is isolated; three of them within a quarter often indicate a supply-chain, infrastructure, or seasonal driver that will keep producing notices until something structural changes.

For decision-making, Areazine pairs each alert with the original agency URL, the full agency name, and a timestamp so you can verify the notice against the primary source before acting on it. Tags on this item (drug-shortage, fda, medication, Sufentanil-Citrate) map to related alerts in the same area of risk — browsing them together gives a clearer picture than any single notice alone, because the shape of an ongoing issue only becomes visible across multiple sequential alerts.

Sufentanil Citrate Injection Shortage Update

This report provides the latest information regarding the supply status of Sufentanil Citrate Injection, a medication primarily used in analgesia, addiction treatment, and pediatric care. This shortage has been tracked by the FDA since May 2022.

What's in Shortage

Generic Name: Sufentanil Citrate Injection
Brand Name: SUFENTANIL CITRATE
Dosage Form: Injection
Therapeutic Category: Analgesia/Addiction, Pediatric
Current Status: Current Shortage (Last updated: February 12, 2026)

Which Manufacturers Are Affected

The following manufacturer is listed in the FDA database regarding this medication:

  • Hospira, Inc., a Pfizer Company
    • Status: Available
    • Presentation: Sufentanil Citrate, Injection, 50 ug/1 mL (NDC 0409-3382-21)
    • Contact Information: 844-646-4398

While the manufacturer currently lists the product as available, the medication remains on the FDA's current shortage list, which may indicate limited supply or regional distribution challenges.

Why There's a Shortage

No specific reason for the shortage was provided in the source data.

What Patients Should Do

If you or a family member are prescribed Sufentanil Citrate Injection, please consider the following steps:

  • Consult Your Healthcare Provider: Always speak with your doctor or healthcare provider regarding your treatment plan. They are best equipped to discuss the impact of this shortage on your care.
  • Speak with a Pharmacist: Your pharmacist can provide real-time information on local stock levels and potential procurement timelines.
  • Contact the Manufacturer: For specific questions regarding supply dates or distribution, you may contact Hospira/Pfizer at the number provided above.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Patients should consult their healthcare provider for medical advice and to discuss alternative treatment options.

Source

Information provided by the FDA Drug Shortage Database. Initial posting date: May 3, 2022.

Original source: FDA Official Notice ↗

All Drug Shortages →

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this FDA drug-shortage notice.

What is this FDA drug-shortage notice about?
The FDA reports an ongoing shortage of Sufentanil Citrate Injection, a medication used for analgesia and pediatric care, with updates regarding manufacturer availability.
Which agency issued this alert?
This alert was issued by FDA. The original notice is available at the source link at the bottom of this article.
How severe is this alert?
This alert is classified as "low" severity. No immediate action required, but stay aware.
What area is affected?
This alert affects United States. Check with FDA for the most current geographic scope.
Where can I find more Drug Shortages updates?
Browse the full Drug Shortages feed on Areazine at areazine.com/drug-shortages/ for the latest updates from FDA and other agencies.