Addressing a recently reported nationwide antacid scarcity, QuVa Pharma Inc. — specializing in critical drug shortage products — has rallied with supplies of its pharmaceutical quality sodium bicarbonate formulation at the ready for U.S. hospital distribution.
According to QuVa spokespersons, sodium bicarbonate PF 8.4 percent (1mEq/ml) 50ml in a syringe (50mEq per syringe) is available for both current and potential customers.
Modern Healthcare reported on June 16 that at least one brand of vials used to inject the potentially lifesaving substance underwent a recall due to hygienic concerns based on risk for contamination, thus aggravating the shortage, the publication stated.
“A shortage of the antacid is prompting healthcare providers to carefully prioritize procedures, delay some operations or choose alternative treatments.” QuVa spokespersons said via the company’s website. “This shortage is expected to persist to some degree for a number of months.”
Sodium bicarbonate injection is used to treat metabolic acidosis caused by renal disease, uncontrolled diabetes, circulatory insufficiency or other issues.
“It is important in times of drug shortage that we are able to offer high quality solutions for our customers and provide reliable, pertinent, and cost-effective product for them to continue quality care to their patients,” Stuart Hinchen, QuVa Pharma’s co-founder and CEO, said.
Hinchen emphasized that QuVa uses only FDA-approved starting material suppliers. In addition to its sodium bicarbonate compound, QuVa provides calcium chloride, potassium phosphate and rocuronium products.
“This lifts the burden off the hospitals to find their own solutions without the same level of supplier knowledge and product development controls that we have,” he said. “Patients need solutions in drug shortage situations, and we aim to be there for them.”
QuVa Pharma is based in Texas. Its name derives from “Quality and Innovation.”
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