CeeNU (Lomustine) supply in Canada: Notice
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Background
Lomustine is used as palliative therapy in patients with brain tumours, Hodgkin's Disease and other tumours.
In Canada, Lomustine is marketed by Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) under the brand name CeeNU in 10 mg and 40 mg capsules. BMS has announced it will be discontinuing the drug in Canada.
To help mitigate the impact of this discontinuation, we worked with BMS to extend the allowable shelf-life for the current inventory of CeeNU. Existing lots of CeeNU are now set to expire as follows:
- CeeNU 10 mg capsules (lots 2H02104 and 2H02101) have a labelled expiry date of May 2025. The shelf-life for these lots has been extended to November 2025.
- CeeNU 40 mg capsules (lots 2J06575 and 2J06574) have a labelled expiry date of June 2025. The shelf-life for these lots has been extended to December 2025.
What we're doing
We recognize the importance of Lomustine. Ensuring continued access is a top priority.
We're communicating with provincial and territorial governments and other stakeholders, such as the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada, to coordinate the sharing of information about the pending discontinuation. We're also working with manufacturers and stakeholders to identify strategies to ensure access to Lomustine for Canadian patients following discontinuation of CeeNU (Lomustine).
In the meantime, we have authorized the importation of Lomustine capsules (10 mg and 40 mg). Septa Pharmaceuticals is the importer. This is an interim measure to allow for uninterrupted access to Lomustine. Visit the List of Drugs for Exceptional Importation and Sale for more details.
What you can do
Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions or concerns about the availability of Lomustine. They may be able to offer other options if your medicine is not available.
You should always:
- use a licensed pharmacy to get your medication
- only buy products that are authorized for sale in Canada
- avoid buying products from unlicensed and unverified online sellers, as these products may:
- not contain the active ingredient
- contain other undeclared and hazardous ingredients that could cause serious risks to health
- not meet manufacturing quality and safety standards, and have unknown contaminants
All drugs approved for sale in Canada have an 8-digit drug identification number (DIN). The DIN assures you that Health Canada has assessed a drug and considers it safe and effective when used as directed on the label. The DIN also provides a way to track adverse drug reactions.
Report any health product-related side effects or complaints to Health Canada.
Learn more about drug shortages in Canada and how Canadians can deal with drug shortages.
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