SCCM Resource Library-Drug Shortage Alert: Heparin Sodium Solution for Injection (January 2023)

Pdf Summary

The Drug Shortage Alert addresses the current shortage of Heparin Sodium Solution for Injection, highlighting its impact on patient care and recommending management strategies. Given the shortage, institutions are advised to reserve unfractionated heparin for critical cases where alternatives like low-molecular-weight heparins, fondaparinux, or direct oral anticoagulants are not suitable, especially in patients with critical illnesses or those at risk of bleeding requiring urgent procedures.<br /><br />If low-molecular-weight heparins are suitable, they may be preferred for pulmonary embolism treatment as they often achieve therapeutic concentrations faster than unfractionated heparin. Alternative anticoagulants, such as oral factor Xa inhibitors, direct thrombin inhibitors, and warfarin, are suggested depending on patient-specific circumstances and if no immediate withdrawal of treatment is expected.<br /><br />The document underscores that due to the heparin shortage, some healthcare systems may consolidate IV heparin formulations to one concentration, potentially leading to administration errors. Institutions might also need to compound their own heparin products, which could increase error risks and costs. There's also a risk of delays in cardiovascular procedures and additional resources being needed for staff training on alternative treatments.<br /><br />Finally, it highlights safety implications like potential medication errors caused by varying concentrations and the need for adequate stock of reversal agents such as protamine or idarucizumab. The document emphasizes the need for adhering to guidelines and using resources wisely to mitigate the shortage's effects on patient care.

Asset Subtitle

Pharmacology, Crisis Management, 2023, 0:05:13

Asset Caption

Heparin is often on shortage due to increased demand and manufacturing delays. Various concentrations of premixed heparin bags may not be available. This document can serve as a resource to provide information for the current shortage and in the event of a future shortage. This document addresses the impact of the shortage on adult and pediatric patients by providing potential management strategies, pharmacotherapeutic considerations, and safety implications. The recommendations provided here are based on both current evidence, including a review of available literature by the SCCM Drug Shortages and Medication Safety Committee, and the need for conservation during this shortage.

Meta Tag

Content Type Article

Knowledge Area Pharmacology

Knowledge Area Crisis Management

Knowledge Level In Training

Knowledge Level Intermediate

Knowledge Level Advanced

Membership Level Nonmember

Membership Level Associate

Membership Level Professional

Membership Level Select

Tag Anticoagulation

Tag Resource Allocation

Year 2023

Keywords

Heparin shortage

patient care impact

management strategies

unfractionated heparin

low-molecular-weight heparins

alternative anticoagulants

medication errors

compounding heparin

reversal agents

guidelines adherence

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