Pharmaceutical shortages

FDA Reports Shortages of Two Pfizer Corticosteroids

WASHINGTON (Reuters Health) May 13 - Pfizer Inc. is experiencing shortages of the injectable corticosteroids Solu-Cortef (hydrocortisone sodium succinate) and Solu-Medrol (methylprednisolone sodium succinate) due to capacity constraints, according to a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) notice.

The agency said shortages are expected for the remainder of 2003, although limited quantities will be available for emergency situations.

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/455520

[capgirl]

yes, we are now using decadron rather than solumedrol due to the shortage.

[jemb]

What do they mean by "capacity constraint"?

[dawngloves, BSN, RN]

It's always something. Last year it was Heparin, this year Solumedrol. I can never figure out how they become "short". Wouldn't a good business meet the demand for a supply? Have the need for corticosteriods increased for some reason I'm unaware of?

[charissa]

This is frightening but at least at my hospital we had a NARCAN shortage. I had to break into code carts to get it. We are also experiencing the solumedrol problem, and did have a unasyn problem for a while, and an IV lasix problem that had us all using bumex instead, whats up with this?

[purplemania, BSN, RN]

Solumedrol has had shortages many times in the years I have practiced. I was told by a drug rep that an impt. ingredient comes from the rain forests and harvesting is limited. Don't know if that is true.

[meownsmile, BSN, RN]

IV protonix is another that is said to be short. Available in limited supply for only patients who cant be substituted or take a PO form. I know not a life threatening thing, but still a pain when you have to call docs and get a new order.

[Allison S.]

Narcan is a national shortage right now.

Not sure about the details, but I know that some of the shortages have to do with meds being stockpiled for the war.

[moonshadeau, ADN, BSN, MSN, RN, APN, NP, CNS]

I wonder if the solumedrol shortage is due to either the enormous amount of pneumonia/COPD exacerbations that we had a couple of months ago, or related to SARS. I don't really know, only speculating. I just know the day that the SARS became public everyone and their family were being admitted for pneumonia/COPD. I was the Solumedrol queen for about three weeks.