Supply alert for licensed and unlicensed epidural infusion bags
National Patient Safety Alert: DHSC has published a National Patient Safety Alert regarding supply issues affecting epidural infusion bags.
Published: 2 December 2025
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has published a National Patient Safety Alert regarding supply issues affecting epidural infusion bags.
There are supply issues affecting epidural bags from Sandoz (licensed) and Fresenius Kabi (unlicensed) containing:
- Bupivacaine only
- Bupivacaine and fentanyl
- Levobupivacine and fentanyl.
A range of alternative licensed and unlicensed bags (including unlicensed imports) are available during the affected period, which is expected to last until at least March 2026. However, the use of these products will require a co-ordinated trust wide approach to ensure safe implementation.
The National Patient Safety Alert has further information and actions for providers to be completed by 12 December 2025.