Pharmacy Shortage: Injectable Corticosteroids

Pharmacy Shortage: Injectable Corticosteroids
05.18.2023

Injectable hydrocortisone and methylprednisolone are currently on backorder with next predicted release in early June.

Providers are asked to consider:

  • Use of oral options or IV dexamethasone whenever appropriate.

  • Maximum repeat doses of 40mg methylprednisolone for most indications to minimize waste and conserve the 125mg vial size as these are currently in more critical short supply than the 40mg vial size.

  • Avoid prolonged IV tapers in patients with COPD exacerbation (limit to no more than 5 days in most patients) and/or consider oral therapy for those with severe but not life-threatening exacerbations.

  • De-escalate to oral therapy as soon as clinically appropriate.