Propofol Shortage...

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Specializes in CCU MICU Rapid Response.

I went to work this week (south fla MICU) and heard that we have a propofol shortage... what?? I was at work last week and hadnt heard a peep. Fentanyl, ativan and precedex are now my options.. I miss the propofol. Is anyone else experiencing the same? ~Ivanna

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in CVICU.

Well I haven't been at work since Thursday, so I sincerely hope this isn't true. This is a nightmare for all those benzo-resistant patients. I like Precedex, but since it's not approved for greater than 24 hrs yet, it's not going to help me!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in OR, peds, PALS, ICU, camp, school.

Yup. It's not as bad for us as for the OR though! We've always used Teva prop so our hospital hasn't been hit too hard yet. The limited Teva recall was first and no biggie but the Hospira recall and halt in production is really limiting supplies. This could actually get worse over 2-3 months. :eek:

http://www.pharmacypracticenews.com/index.asp?section_id=239&show=dept&ses=ogst&issue_id=572&article_id=14114

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in SRNA.

It was a few months ago, but we had a lot number of propofol recalled, causing a shortage until a new supply came. It wasn't a permanent shortage by any means...maybe something similar happened? We had to switch to the benzos floorwide for a few days.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in school nursing, ortho, trauma.

Someone should check the Neverland ranch - i hear there was an abundance there :doh:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in intensive care major medical centers.

yep it used to be in the pixis, and now pharmacy has to send it and you need to sign for it

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in SICU, CCU, MCU, peds, physician's office.

I have heard the same thing. It really hasn't been an issue for me because I work in CVICU and we want our patients to wake up, but MICU is a different story.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU, M/S,Nurse Supervisor, CNS.

I was off last week on vacation and when I returned to work this weekend I learned about the propofol shortage. We do have a limited amount of bottles in our pyxis, but for the most part, we are using Versed and Ativan drips. If the situation warrents, though, propofol can be ordered and given but only after all other measures have been attempted. This is a bad time for this as we have an increase of vented patients in our ICU due to pneumonia and flu. I just hope this doesn't last too long.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in CCU MICU Rapid Response.
Someone should check the Neverland ranch - i hear there was an abundance there :doh:

bwah ha ha :)

I did some googling and came up with the info for teva recalling some lots for endotoxins and thought that hospira's recall was for manufacturing defects (metal fragments) Makes me wonder about all my little vented patients over the last few weeks.... ~Ivanna

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in CCU MICU Rapid Response.

http://www.ashp.org/Import/PRACTICEANDPOLICY/PracticeResourceCenters/DrugShortages/GettingStarted/CurrentShortages/Bulletin.aspx?id=573

hopefully the link works...

there is a chart for alternative meds at the bottom

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment