Use of Premixed Parenteral Nutrition During a Phosphate Shortage in a Non–Critically Ill Population

Abstract

Background: Drug shortages pose prescribing problems to clinicians. During fiscal year (FY) 2014, an acute shortage of intravenous potassium phosphate (K-Phos IV), a common supplement in parenteral nutrition (PN), prompted the use of premixed instead of individualized PN to conserve K-Phos IV. Here we quantify the K-Phos IV conserved by using premixed PN and the associated cost differences. Materials and Methods: Costs of preparing premixed PN vs individualized PN of equivalent composition were calculated for FY 2014 at a single-center tertiary care facility. Quantity and cost of K-Phos IV saved were calculated based on the number of premixed PN prescriptions. Costs for FY 2015 were projected based on drug costs from July 2014. Results: During FY 2014, prescribing premixed in lieu of individualized PN conserved 16,440 mmol K-Phos IV but increased the cost of PN by $4080.45. However, increases in K-Phos IV cost at the end of FY 2014 resulted in premixed PN as a relatively less expensive therapy than individualized PN for our institution. Cost savings of $7092.20 due to use of premixed PN is projected for FY 2015. Conclusions: Prescribing premixed PN conserves K-Phos IV during shortages, but it increased direct drug spending in non–critically ill patients at our institution during FY 2014. Persistent shortages can drive market costs of K-Phos IV, however, necessitating frequent reconsideration of resource utilization.