Hospira is having a lot of problems right now. I talked to our Rep the other day and he told me that they had to shut down one of thier plants awhile back because of FDA/Product quality issues. So on top of the IMS market withdrawl on the emergency prefilled syringes the Hospira manufacturing is also a problem along with the increased demand for thier product. He also told me they don't expect the situation to get better until sometime in the early fall. Not good for any of us.
We are using vials if they are available except for epinephrine syringes. We are making a kit with an epi amp, 10mL saline flush syringe, filter needle or straw and alcohol pad, with instructions on the label to assemble. We also bought 3-1/2 inch spinal needles to use in a similar kit to substitute for the cardiac syringe. We seal each kit in an amber bag to protect the epi amp from light. So far, they seem to be working.
I hear a lot more complaints about nurses/EMS having to draw up the dextrose vials--thick fluid and 50mL--not a good combination. I wonder what we will do when we run out ov vials, since no syringes or vials are available from Cardinal. Make end up with Ameridose, too!
