Unavailable Meds: What to Do When Your Patient's Medications Aren't Available

As healthcare professionals, it is our duty to ensure that our patients receive the medications they need to manage their conditions. Unfortunately, there may be instances where medications are unavailable. Here are some steps to take when dealing with unavailable medications:

1. Should not happen

First and foremost, it is important to recognize that unavailable medications should not happen. Healthcare facilities should have systems in place to ensure that medications are always available when needed. If medications become unavailable, it can cause unnecessary stress and potentially harm the patient.

2. If it's a New Order, Get an MD Order to Start When the Med is Received from Pharmacy

If the medication is a new order and is not immediately available, healthcare professionals should obtain an order from the prescribing physician to start the medication when it is received from the pharmacy. This ensures that the patient can receive the medication as soon as it becomes available.

3. Check the E-Kit, Then Call Pharmacy

If the medication is not a new order, healthcare professionals should first check the emergency kit (E-kit) to see if the medication is available there. If the medication is not available in the E-kit, the pharmacy should be contacted to determine when the medication will be available. If the medication cannot be obtained in a timely manner, healthcare professionals should obtain an order from the prescribing physician to either hold the medication, give an alternative medication, or give the medication when it becomes available from the pharmacy.

4. Note that This Could Result in a Medication Error

It is important to note that unavailable medications can result in medication errors. If an alternative medication is given, healthcare professionals should ensure that the patient is receiving the correct medication in the correct dose. If the medication is held, it is important to monitor the patient for any adverse effects related to not receiving the medication.

In conclusion, unavailable medications should not happen. Healthcare facilities should have systems in place to ensure that medications are always available when needed. If medications become unavailable, healthcare professionals should follow the appropriate steps to ensure that the patient receives the medication as soon as possible. It is important to note that dealing with unavailable medications can result in medication errors, so it is important to take appropriate precautions to ensure patient safety.