The Falsified Medicines Directive (FMD) is among the factors causing the current labetalol shortages, the Department of Health and Social Care has confirmed.

In a supply update, the DHSC says supplier Mylan expects delays in resupply until early-mid May, as a result of delays in the serialisation of FMD packs.

Another supplier Recipharm is reporting a problem with sourcing the active pharmaceutical ingredient and cannot provide a resupply date.

Prescribers are asked not to commence new patients on the antihypertensive labetalol during this time, and consider alternative treatments during  this time.

Some unlicensed stock is available for import, with lead times of  between seven and 21 days.

• Levomepromazine 25mg/ml injection is not expected to be back in stock until the end of April. Guidance to support patient management is available online.