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Tag: Drug Shortage

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Neuromuscular Blocking Agents in the ICU: Shortages, Pitfalls, and Strategies Moving Forward

This article was first published in the Fall 2020 issue of Critical Connections. The most common uses for neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) in the intensive care unit (ICU) are in the treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), status asthmaticus, rapid sequence intubation (RSI), and therapeutic hyperthermia.


Optimization of Pharmacy Services When Time Is of the Essence

This article was first published in the Fall 2020 issue of Critical Connections. This article highlights a local stroke team’s treatment algorithm, which includes a clinical pharmacist.


Alternative Analgesia and Sedation Strategies During Drug Shortages

This article was first published in the Fall 2021 issue of Critical Connections. Supply chain issues are making drug shortage more common. Know the alternative medications and routes of administration to continue providing quality care.


Infusion Pumps Outside Patient Rooms: Clinical Considerations and Medication Safety

This article was first published in the Summer 2021 issue of Critical Connections. This article discusses the clinical and safety considerations for using infusion pumps outside of patient rooms in order to help decrease exposure.


Importance of Effectively Communicating Drug Shortages

This article was first published in the Winter 2021 issue of Critical Connections. Drug shortages have become pervasive. The ways in which hospitals and hospital systems manage ongoing shortages vary widely across the United States and the world.


Fuzzy Logic in the Intensive Care Unit

This article was originally published in the Summer 2020 Issue of Critical Connections.


Clinical Considerations in Managing the IVIG Shortage

This article was originally published in the November 2019 issue of Critical Connections. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), first approved for use in the 1980s, is an essential treatment used in a wide variety of clinical specialties including neurology, hematology, immunology, nephrology, rheumatology, and dermatology.


Standard Medication Concentrations: An Opportunity to Reduce Medication Errors

This article was first published in the February 2019 issue of Critical Connections. The Drug Shortages column addresses recent events and issues related to drug shortages.


Drug Shortage Alert: Intravenous Loop Diuretics (January 2021)

The Society of Critical Care Medicine’s (SCCM) Drug Shortage Task Force has identified a shortage leading to variable availability of intravenous loop diuretics, including bumetanide, furosemide, and torsemide. The task force has recommended management strategies, outlined alternative drugs and dosing and suggested pharmacotherapeutic considerations.


Drug Shortage Alert: General Considerations (December 2012)

This drug shortage alert is designed to assist the multiprofessional team with implementing a consistent and safe approach to managing drug shortages by highlighting key strategic planning considerations.


Drug Shortage Alert: Web Resources (January 2021)

To formulate and implement alternative plans in the face of drug shortages in the intensive care unit, timely and accurate information on drug supply is critical. Because the status of a drug shortage can change rapidly and information exists in multiple areas, the Society of Critical Care Medicine’s Drug Shortages Task Force has compiled a list of websites as a resource for members.


Drug Shortage Alert: Fosphenytoin (October 2017)

This summary provides information in the event of a fosphenytoin shortage and its impact on adult and pediatric patients, providing management strategies, pharmacotherapeutic considerations, and safety considerations. The recommendations provided are based on a combination of the current evidence
and the need for conservation during the shortage.


Drug Shortage Alert: Intravenous (IV) Sodium Bicarbonate (November 2017)

Intravenous (IV) sodium bicarbonate syringes and vials have previously and sporadically been affected by shortages due to manufacturer discontinuation and/or increased demand. More details can be found here: http://www.ashp.org/shortages. In addition to this brief summary, the SCCM Drug Shortages Task Force has developed a detailed review of common uses of IV sodium bicarbonate in the ICU and suggested management strategies. The recommendations provided are based on a combination of the current evidence as well as the need for conservation during this shortage.


Drug Shortage Alert: Electrolyte Medication Shortages (January 2021)

The Drug Shortage Task Force provides information on the safe and consistent management of drug shortages as well as on additional resources and strategies.

 


Issues for Admixtures in an Era of Drug Shortages

In an era fraught with drug shortages, hospitals are faced with limited options for some vital admixtures. When manufacturers have limited supplies or products are no longer available, hospital pharmacies may be faced with admixing these agents or outsourcing to compounding facilities. Preparation of admixtures is regulated in terms of sterility and stability for optimal patient safety. Providing appropriate drug therapy for patients in the intensive care unit can become problematic when medication supplies run short. Medication compounding may be offered as a method of drug shortage management.