Volume 25, Issue 1

are endless, though they can be limited if we are not prepared to deal with an acute shortage. Communication with pharmacy and hospital administration about the gravity and immediate danger of acute anesthetic medication shortages may loosen the purse strings on purchasing and allow the pharmacy to pre-order larger allotments or utilize another wholesaler. Most administrators would prefer avoiding the cost of cancelled elective operative cases over the increased cost of pre-ordering anesthetic drugs at a premium price. Because of the large number of medications on the drug shortage list and dynamic nature of shortages, individual pharmacies may not be able to focus on anesthetic medications.

Some anesthesiologists have seen success in calling suppliers like Cardinal Health and APP to assess backorder times and availability. In summary, it is important for each of you to develop, in collaboration with your pharmacy associates, a plan for foreseeing and dealing with upcoming medication shortages, It is also important not to proceed with an elective anesthetic if the absence of a medication places a patient in danger.