5/26/2016

Zinc Injection

Products Affected - Description

- Zinc sulfate intravenous injection, American Regent, 1 mg/mL, 10 mL vial, 25 count, NDC 00517-6110-25
- Zinc sulfate intravenous injection, American Regent, 5 mg/mL, 5 mL vial, 25 count, NDC 00517-8105-25

Reason for the Shortage

- American Regent states the shortage of zinc sulfate injection is due to manufacturing delays.
- Hospira states the shortage of zinc chloride injection was due to manufacturing delays.

Available Products

- Zinc chloride intravenous injection, Pfizer, 1 mg/mL, 10 mL vial, 25 count, NDC 00409-4090-01

Estimated Resupply Dates

- American Regent has zinc sulfate 1 mg/mL 10 mL vials and 5 mg/mL 5 mL vials on back order and the company cannot estimate a release date.

Safety

- Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of zinc deficiency. Pediatric patients are particularly susceptible. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently published reports of zinc deficiency in premature infants due to the nationwide shortage of zinc. http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6207a5.htm

Alternative Agents & Management

- The American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) has detailed recommendations for managing this shortage online at http://www.nutritioncare.org/News/Parenteral_Nutrition_Trace_Element_Product_Shortage_Considerations/. Key recommendations include the following:
- Reserve supplies for neonatal or pediatric patients or other vulnerable groups such as patients with short bowel or malabsorption syndromes.
- Avoid use of pediatric trace elements for adult patients.
- Adult trace element products are not recommended for pediatric patients.
- Consider oral or enteral multi-vitamin or multi-mineral products for supplementation if possible.
- Avoid using trace elements additives in IV fluids.
- Increase vigilance of signs and symptoms of trace element deficiencies. Symptoms of zinc deficiency may include dermatitis, impaired wound healing, alopecia, immune insufficiency, anorexia, growth failure, delayed sexual maturation, decreased taste sensitivity, and poor night vision.
- Purchase only the supply needed, do not stockpile.

Updated

Updated May 26, 2016 by Michelle Wheeler, PharmD, Drug Information Specialist. Created December 15, 2010 by Michelle Wheeler, PharmD, Drug Information Specialist. Copyright 2017, Drug Information Service, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT.

Disclaimer

Drug Shortage Bulletins are copyrighted by the Drug Information Service of the University of Utah and provided by ASHP as its exclusive authorized distributor. ASHP and the University of Utah make no representations or warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to such information, and specifically disclaim all such warranties. Users of this information are advised that decisions regarding the use of drugs and drug therapies are complex medical decisions and that in using this information, each user must exercise his or her own independent professional judgment. Neither ASHP nor the University of Utah assumes any liability for persons administering or receiving drugs or other medical care in reliance upon this information, or otherwise in connection with this Bulletin. Neither ASHP nor the University of Utah endorses or recommends the use of any particular drug. Any application of this information for any purpose shall be limited to personal, non-commercial use.

« Back to Drug Shortage Product Bulletins

Subscribe to AHFS Clinical Drug Information to get direct access to integrated drug shortages content, plus comprehensive and actionable drug information.