Use Multiple Strategies to Manage Pain During Injectable Opioid Shortages

Hospitals are feeling pain from the shortage of injectable opioids...including IV fentanyl, hydromorphone, and morphine.

The shortage is due to manufacturing delays and DEA quotas preventing other companies from increasing production. Now DEA is loosening restrictions, but shortages are still a problem.

Continue to maximize non-opioids. Use this as an opportunity to reduce opioid prescribing. Start with scheduled doses of NSAIDs and acetaminophen. These can work as well as opioids in many patients