Sheldon S. Sones, RPh, FASCP, is president of Sheldon S. Sones and Associates, a pharmacy and accreditation consulting firm based in Newington, Conn.
Q: We simply can't get a drug since it is backordered from every supplier we reach out to. What should we do? Our current supply outdates in just a few days. These are critical drugs to us.
Sheldon Sones: Never before have the shortages of key drugs been so prevalent. While the best strategy is to keep as far ahead of anticipated supply needs as possible, "borrowing" non-controlled drugs may be an option.
Some of these shortages are sudden, unavoidable and unpredictable. For sure I would show intent and make note on the outdating product to this effect:
"NOTE: Procainamide not currently available. Order placed on January 29."
Note: In no way does this endorse the use of "outdated drugs". It just serves as a marker that the drug is on order and the facility is exploring all options to regain supply.
Learn more about Sheldon S. Sones and Associates and www.sheldonsones.com.
Read more insight from Sheldon Sones:
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- 6 Things to Do to Manage Controlled Drug Deviations
- 10 Things to Do to Minimize Controlled Drug Deviations