Pharmaceutical Waste Reduction Strategies
Use an alternate delivery method
Drugs which would be wasted if delivered the usual way, such as using an IV mixture are delivered in a different manner, such as a syringe.
Reduces Amount: YesReduces Toxicity: No
Examples of Applying this Strategy
| Generic Drug: Epinephrine
Proprietary Drug(s): Epinephrine For more information: http://www.mntap.umn.edu/health/resources/94FS.PharmWaste.pdf MnTAP |
Dr. Rachel Stratman, PharmD, clinical pharmacist for perioperative services at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, reduced atropine, phenylephrine, lidocaine, succinylcholine, neostigmine, insulin, epinephrine, dubutamine, norepinephrine, rocuronium, vecuronium, and glycopyrrolate by using pre-filled syringes instead of provider-mixed IVs. The wastage of most of these drugs was reduced by more than 90%. The strategy involved: 1) standardizing anesthesia trays incorporating ready to use syringes of medications commonly used for anesthesia induction, reversal and emergencies; 2) purchasing premixed ready-to-use syringes of with tamper-evident seals; and 3) providing bolus doses of insulin, epinephrine and norepinephrine. The cost of prefilled syringes with less waste were similar to provider-mixed IVs with more waste. In addition, anesthesiologists saved time, and problems that could have led to patient harm were corrected. The article mentions possible questions regarding the safety of products from outside compounders. See: Blum, Karen, "In Operating Room, a Switch To Prefilled Syringes Pays Off." Pharmacy Practice News Vol 40, March 2013. (URL below) For more information: Stratman, Rachel C., PharmD, BCPS |
