Local EMTs alerted to drug shortage

[WAS967 97]

http://thedailystar.com/localnews/x1627563994/Local-EMTs-alerted-to-drug-shortage

Local emergency crews are on alert about a national drug shortage that could impact how they treat patients.

But to date no adjustments have been made in drug administration, officials said Monday.

The Institute for Safe Medication Practices said shortages occur for a host of reasons, including availability of ingredients, a change in product formulation and regulatory actions. The Federal Drug Administration keeps a list of drugs in short supply.

Just to clarify. The article really didn't explain the root cause of the problem. I have been told (but admittedly am having difficulty finding a source online) that Hospira, the maker of the Abboject syringes which we all know and love, had a fire at one of it's manufacturing plants that has caused a backlog of orders and a nationwide shortage of the syringes. We've been seeing a moderate supply of the syringes coming in but it is estimated that it could take as long as September for the supply chain to catch up.

[WAS967 97]

In related news, the shortage of other drugs has put a halt to lethal injections in some states:

http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2010/07/08/20100708drug-shortage-putting-hold-on-lethal-injections.html