Authorities warn of drug shortage

A recall of a drug used to treat critically ill patients has prompted some Canadian health authorities to begin rationing it for only the most serious cases. Health Canada says it is working closely with Pfizer and the provinces to reduce the impact of the shortage of sodium bicarbonate, used in open heart surgery, cases of organ failure and some types of chemotherapy. Two lots of the drug have been recalled due to possible microbial contamination. Star staff, wire services