Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the withdrawal of hydrocortisone sodium phosphate liquid solution from the medicine market on to patients with adrenal insufficiency.

The Department is aware of the discontinuation of hydrocortisone sodium phosphate 100mg/1ml solution for injection and we continue to work with industry to find a longer-term solution.

Hydrocortisone sodium succinate 100mg powder remains available for patients. We have issued comprehensive management guidance to healthcare professionals on how to manage patients while supply is disrupted. The guidance highlighted the differences between the two hydrocortisone injections. It also included resources for patients and healthcare professionals on how to administer the alternative hydrocortisone injection.

We also understand that the Addison’s Disease Self Help Group have also published information on this discontinuation to keep patients informed along with resources for patients on how to administer the alternative hydrocortisone.