Hyperinflation of Isoproterenol. (August 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: D'Ambrosi, Julie; Amin, Nilesh
• Other Names: Saltiel Manny guest-editor.
• Is Part Of: Journal of pharmacy practice. Volume 31:Number 4(2018:Aug.)
• Page Start: 390
• Page End: 394
• Publication Date: 2018-08
• Subjects: isoproterenol -- catheter ablation -- heart transplantation -- upright tilt table testing -- drug pricing; Pharmacy -- Periodicals; Pharmacology -- Periodicals; 615.1
• DOI: 10.1177/0897190018770060
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0897-1900

Abstract

The hyperinflation of isoproterenol, a 75-year-old drug, in early 2015 was unbelievable. The attention of health-care professionals, health system administrators, legislators, and the general public was quickly focused on Valeant Pharmaceuticals, purchaser of several generics solely to raise their price. With isoproterenol easily launched toward the top of drug expenditures, pharmacists in many hospitals were forced to engage stakeholders in the investigation and implementation of alternatives, explore utilization and optimize inventory, reduce cost through sterile product preparation, where possible, restrict use to settings that were beneficial to their budget, and become legislative advocates. The alternatives drugs and strategies will be reviewed.