Pharmacy Alerts

Iron Dextran
There is a national drug shortage on iron dextran with no further release date.  Please consider using another iron formulation such as iron sucrose (Venofer) or ferumoxytol (Feraheme) during this shortage.

IV/IM Lorazepam
We are unfortunately facing a critical shortage of IV/IM lorazepam (2mL vials) and down to a limited supply (<1-2 weeks). We will be implementing an EPIC alert but wanted to also notify you directly due to the far reaching nature of this shortage.

For clinical scenarios that require IV/IM lorazepam critically (e.g. status epilepticus): please proceed with order. Otherwise, some options for managing this shortage include:
• Utilize PO lorazepam whenever possible (dosing conversion is 1:1).
• For ED/CCU/procedural areas – consider utilizing midazolam if able.
• For med/surg areas, consider IV diazepam (avoid IM due to erratic absorption) if able.

NOTE: There are no direct dosage conversions between the benzodiazepines because each has a distinct pharmacokinetic profile that dictates the agent's therapeutic use and dosing. Below are conservative recommendations and information regarding the onset and duration.

Questions? Contact Sharon_Lu@valleymed.org