Life-saving sodium bicarbonate supply rises
Alberta Health Services says it has now built up a “good supply” of injectable sodium bicarbonate, although restrictions on using the lifesaving drug are likely to remain in place for at least two more months.
The measures have been in place since mid-June when the health authority announced it had been affected by a global shortage of sodium bicarbonate caused by a manufacturing problem at Pfizer company Hospira Inc.
AHS said at the time that it had enough stock to last only 10 days, but hoped rationing and other measures would improve the situation.
“We became more confident in our stock at the beginning of July,” the health authority said in a written statement this week. “We do not anticipate lifting the restrictions until there is a reliable, ongoing source of supply of sodium bicarbonate injection.”
The drug is used to counteract drug overdoses and help patients whose blood has become too acidic.
It is often used during surgeries and in intensive care units.
AHS said it remains short of sodium bicarbonate vials, which have been subject to a voluntary recall after tests detected microbial growth in some units.
Pfizer has compensated somewhat by increasing supplies of pre-filled syringes, “but not to volumes that would allow us to return to pre-shortage utilization levels,” the statement said.
The health authority said community pharmacies and private clinics have also contributed a small supply of the drug while the search continues for other stocks to purchase.
In the meantime, AHS said it will continue with various mitigation measures. These include giving patients a pill form of the drug when possible, prioritizing procedures, and choosing alternative treatments in non-critical situations.
A strict criteria and approval process has also been implemented for using sodium bicarbonate.
“These mitigation measures are working,” the statement said. “Currently, we have a good supply of sodium bicarbonate vials and prefilled syringes. Other strategies have helped to extend our emergency use supply.”
AHS said it is not aware of any surgeries or treatments that have been postponed due to the shortage.
Pfizer has notified the health authority it hopes to have vials available by midOctober.
“Alberta has been through critical drug shortages in the past. Strategies were developed at the time that ensures safe patient care and mitigates potential patient impact,” the statement said.