Drug shortages and patient safety: an overview of essential information for the infusion nurse.

Drug shortages present a growing problem in the United States, with the majority of shortages occurring among sterile injectable medications. Although the impact of shortages has been shown to adversely affect patient care in a variety of settings, those who are dependent on outpatient or home infusion therapy are especially vulnerable. Legislative action and the efforts of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have helped reduce the occurrence of new shortages; however, the problem is not likely to be eliminated in the short term and requires effective management strategies.