Apparently, the shortage of Thyrogen -- the drug used in thyroid cancer patients prior to a scan, to avoid having to become hypothyroid -- is continuing. Back in the fall of 2010, we were told that the Thyrogen shortage would continue through November of 2010. Unfortunately, this does not seem to be case, as a new statement was just released -- by Genzyme (PDF) -- indicating that the shortages will continue through July of 2011. Here is the text of the statement:
"Genzyme Corporation is reporting that global supply of Thyrogen will fluctuate through July, 2011 causing temporary shortages in certain countries. Genzyme anticipates a shortage in the United States beginning in mid-April and extending through mid-June and is notifying health care providers of the supply interruption so that they may schedule individual patient treatments appropriately during this time. Ex-US supply communications are being managed by Genzyme affiliates at the regional level.More on the Ongoing Thyrogen Shortages and ProblemsRegional disparities in supply are expected to continue to occur due to the logistical complexities of managing global demand with limited inventory.
Genzyme continues to work toward obtaining regulatory approvals worldwide for the fill/finish transfer to a third party contract manufacturing facility.
Genzyme remains focused on restoring normal supply of Thyrogen globally as soon as possible. If you have any questions, please contact Genzyme Medical Information at 800-745-4447 (option 2) or by e-mail at medinfo@genzyme.com."
- Global Shortage of Thyroid Medication Thyrogen Expected Through Mid-November. Is Thyrogen's Future Uncertain? (October 2010)
- Controversial Drugmaking Giant Pfizer is Now in the Thyroid Drug Business (October 2010)
- Thyrogen Manufacturer Genzyme Facing Difficulties; Thyroid Patients Struggling to Cope with Thyrogen Shortages (May 2010)
- Thyrogen Drug Used for Thyroid Cancer Treatment is Contaminated with Trash, Says FDA (November 2009)
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I have just been told that there will be no thyrogen available until some time in 2012!! What is going on with Genzyme, the sole supplier of thyrogen, that is causing this shortage????
I now have to go off my synthroid for 2 to 3 weeks, while enduring a low-iodine diet, prior to my I-131 treatment coming up. I am still trying to work fulltime(to keep my health insurance) and am NOT looking forward to the next month!
My doc said it’s a problem with the vials breaking durring shipment. Well then someone needs to fix the problem and get the stock back up. Knowing you have cancer is bad enough, waiting for a drug, or waiting to feel miserabe off synthroid is not a fair choice. Good luck to you, i have decided to wait it out until December. At that point my doc will do more tests if it looks like we cant wait any longer i will stop my synthroid.
This is bull, we are not a third world country. i can’t believe that people have to get this news along with the stress of being diagnosed with cancer. I have not had thyroid cancer but was dx with breast cancer 14 years ago and survived after surgery, chemo and much love. Prays to all who have to carry the burden of having cancer and then having to wait to get the medication you need. Shame on the USA!
I don’t know who to turn to or what to do. I have implored my doctor to get me throgen so I can be treated for my recurrence of thyroid cancer. I need the radioactive iodine treatment again (3rd time), and when I go off of my Synthroid I am a mess… can barely function. And for the 4 weeks or so it will take to get it out of my system, I will have to drive 40 miles to & from work each day. I dont think that I can do it. I’ve waited more than a year & can’t wait any longer. My TSH has dropped to 0.03 (0.40 is the low end of acceptable)… yes, the decimal place is correct. Any suggestions, please?
I was supposed to have a scan in June 2011 and have waited until now in the hopes there would be some Thyrogen. No such luck, I am on week 2 of being off my meds just for a scan. I am getting my TSH tested tomorrow and am hoping it is up enough for it. I don’t ever want to do this again! I work full time and have 3 kids, it was hard enough when I was a stay at home mom and you can’t explain it to anyone except those who have been through it.
HI, i,m still waiting for thyrogen too. WAS suppose to get it early 2011 out of it, said check back didn’t get it at all in 2011, said machine broke.THEN some one said our PRESIDENT had it stoped. SO what are those of us who really need it suppose to do? IT’S really bad when u have to go off ur thyroid meds. u get very ill & it takes a while for the throid med. starts working again.I,M PRAYING to get the thyrogen soon.SO lets stick togather & keep PRAYING GOD WILL ANSWER OUR PRAYERS!!!!
Count me in this sad little group.
I’ve been waiting for 6 weeks to see if I go up the waiting list for Thyrogen… no go. I will go off my meds in 2 days. Just like Tami, I work full time and have two energetic kids. I am having a pity party for myself. I’ve been there, done that and I know it sucks. Please, Genzyme, get your act together!!!
I’ve been waiting since April 2011. This is ridiculous!
I just received it from Total Life Care Pharmacy in La. Been waiting since Nov.I am so happy.