May 29, 2020: Safety Bulletin - Propofol 2% (20 mg/mL): Safety Considerations for Introducing a Novel Product into Hospitals
Drug shortages are one of the critical issues arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. The increased worldwide demand for high-alert drugs used in the care of intubated and mechanically ventilated patients has heightened the risk of a shortage of these products. To address any shortage that does occur, an alternative product (typically the same drug in a different concentration, strength, packaging format, or dosage form) may be substituted for the medication that is unavailable. The introduction of new products into the medication-use system must be carefully managed to mitigate risks, such as the potential for medication errors.Due to an impending shortage of the propofol 1% (10 mg/mL) 50 mL and 100 mL products in Canada, some hospitals may need to use a double-strength (2% or 20 mg/mL) 100 mL product that is now being imported from Europe in limited quantities. Propofol 2% is a product unfamiliar to Canadian practitioners and thus carries a risk of 2-fold overdose. A multipronged systems approach, including interprofessional communications and technical safeguards, is required to avoid errors with this product. Errors may also arise once the shortage is resolved and hospitals can again stock propofol 1% 50 mL and 100 mL products. Read more ...
