Substitution approved for vigabatrin (Sabril) shortage

To help manage the shortage of the tablet form of vigabatrin (Sabril), used in the treatment of epilepsy, the TGA has made a Serious Scarcity Substitution Instrument (SSSI)- external site that:

• declares vigabatrin (Sabril) 500 mg tablets as a scarce medicine
• declares vigabatrin (Sabril) 0.5 g oral sachets as the substitute medicine 
• will be in effect until 31 January 2024, unless ended earlier if the serious scarcity is resolved
• allows a pharmacist to provide vigabatrin (Sabril) oral sachets when the prescribed vigabatrin (Sabril) tablets are unavailable without prior approval from the prescriber. 

As the substitute medicine (oral sachet) is a different form but the same strength, pharmacists can dispense an equivalent quantity of the substitute medicine for the prescribed medicine according to the substitution instrument. This SSSI is in effect in all states and territories.

For detailed information, go to About the vigabatrin (Sabril) shortage.

For more information about SSSIs see Substituting scarce medicines and Serious Scarcity Substitution Instruments (SSSIs).