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Intravenous Compounding Robots May Harbor Bacterial Contamination
Intravenous medication compounding robots may harbor dangerous bacteria, according to a report in Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology, the journal of the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America. During a routine screening in 2010, personnel at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in North Carolina discovered Bacillus cereus bacteria in samples dispensed by their machine, the Intellifill IV. Personnel discovered the contamination through quality-assurance measures recommended by the manufacturer before any patients were harmed by the contaminated drugs. While any adverse events were avoided, it appears that the current cleaning and maintenance recommendations may need to be strengthened.
Source: Cluck D, Williamson JC, Glasgo M et al. Bacterial contamination of an automated pharmacy robot used for intravenous medication preparation. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2012; 33(5): 517-520.
http://www.shea-online.org/View/smid/428/ArticleID/149.aspx
Concern Raised Over Painkiller's Use in Sports
Some medical experts are concerned about the ways sports teams are using ketorolac (Toradol) because so little is known about its possible long-term effects on athletes. Since data is not really available on the use of the drug by athletes, it is unclear how frequently Toradol injections are provided and for what ailments, and whether players are told of the potential side effects. This concern has compelled at least two team doctors to stop using it.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/14/sports/wide-use-of-painkiller-toradol-before-games-raises-concerns.html?_r=1&ref=todayspaper
Gelatin Capsule Contamination in China-produced Capsules
The gelatin capsules in question are said to have been made using industrial- rather than pharmaceutical-grade gelatin which results in excessive levels of chromium, according to a report from the state-run Xinhua news agency. The products include 11 traditional Chinese medicines and two antibiotics. A total of 22 people are reported to have been detained for questioning by police in connection with the incident.
The capsules were reportedly made at four factories in the Zhejiang region of China from gelatin derived from scrap leather. Chromium is used in the tanning process for leather, and repeated exposure to excess levels is linked to the development of cancer.
http://www.inpharm.com/news/172235/china-bans-medicines-formulated-toxic-capsules
New Delivery System for Buprenorphine with Naloxone
As drug addiction specialists seek new ways to treat opioid dependence, a new product called BEMA Buprenorphine will be administered via a small piece of film that dissolves in the mouth. But the company making it (BDSI) believes differences in its drug delivery technology would give it the edge over RB's Suboxone. BDSI will need an advantage to take on RB's blockbuster drug, which generated more than $1.2 billion in 2011 sales.
RB's Suboxone combines buprenorphine with naloxone, another drug that deters drug abuse. Suboxone was first developed as a tablet and now is available as a film. However, it has an unpleasant taste. Like Suboxone, BEMA Buprenorphine combines buprenorphine and naloxone in a single transmucosal product.
http://www.medcitynews.com/2012/04/opioid-dependence-treatment-from-bdsi-aims-to-challenge-rbs-suboxone/?edition=north-carolina
Physicians That Buy Medications from Unapproved Sources Warned
Clinicians in several states have been warned by the FDA to stop purchasing medications from foreign or unlicensed suppliers that sell illegal prescription medications. "These medical practices are putting patients at risk of exposure to medications that may be counterfeit, contaminated, improperly stored and transported, ineffective, and dangerous," the FDA said.
The Agency further said that "The receipt of suspicious or unsolicited offers from unknown suppliers should be questioned, and extra caution should be taken when considering such offers."
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/762250
Drug Shortages Causing Deaths
Shortages of prescription drugs have been a growing concern for the past six years (2005 to 2010), nearly tripling and reaching record levels of 267 drugs in 2011 as manufacturers ceased operations or ran into production problems. In some cases, lifesaving treatments have been delayed, sending patients on desperate searches for needed medicines. Shortages have also caused injuries from mistakes and at least 15 deaths around the country since mid-2011, according to the ISMP. The mistakes included confusion about dosing and preparation of substitutes. Handling the shortage problem is very, very time consuming and involves a lot of people. It has a tremendous impact on pharmacy operations. Of the drugs in short supply, the majority are generic injectable medications.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/hospitals-scramble-on-the-front-lines-of-drug-shortages/2012/04/10/gIQAUQLN9S_story.html
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