Myasthenia Gravis Support Group
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a neuromuscular disease leading to fluctuating muscle weakness and fatiguability. The hallmark of myasthenia gravis is muscle weakness that increases during periods of activity and improves after periods of rest. Although myasthenia gravis may affect any voluntary muscle, muscles that control eye and eyelid movement, facial expression, and...
The ambulatory care center called earlier today to tell me that the hospital pharmacist would not release IV calcium for my plasmapheresis tomorrow because there is a nationwide shortage of it and they are saving what they have for emergencies only.
I cannot have plasmapheresis without it as my muscles, especially my diaphragm gets rigid and will not move. I am trying to figure out what plan "B" is right now.
I cannot have plasmapheresis without it as my muscles, especially my diaphragm gets rigid and will not move. I am trying to figure out what plan "B" is right now.
http://www.apheresis.org/~ASSETS/DOCUMENT/ASFA%202011%20Presentations/Abstract%201/Friday%2010h45%20De%20Simone%20Kierland%20Ballroom%203.pdf
Annette
You are right, they will have an emergency on their hands if they don't give you calcium and may have an emergency if they don't give you the treatment your doctor has ordered.
It would seem like his intervention is necessary. The other option may be IVIG if it works for you. b.
My first question was for whom do they consider the shrotage an emergency and I found this article that speaks to that.
http://roguemedic.com/2011/03/fda-drug-shortages-calcium-gluconate-and-chloride-part-i/
My next question was why is there a shortage and I found this link to the FDA website where you can scroll down to the two calcium products and find specific information.
http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/DrugShortages/ucm314739.htm
It seems the shortage started with one product last March and then went to the 2nd product as people turned to it as a replacement.
It looks like two manufacturers plan to have the product available this month but I am sure there will be a run on it and it may be harder to get. I think this is a time when a call to your representative in congress and the senate is appropriate to let them know how this affects your life so they can find out why it happened specifically and to prevent it in the future. Also talk with your doctor about anything that can be done to make sure your need is known.
My guess is it goes first to places that will need it most and knowing the demographics of patients needs will be important.
Let us know if there is anything we can do to help.