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The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists reports a shortage of injectable phytonadione, a form of vitamin K. Many people take anticoagulants for various reasons, and this drug shortage impacts those whose dosages are so far off that they can't safely decrease their blood clotting times just by skipping a dose or taking phytonadione tablets. The good news is that small doses in pre-filled syringes are once again available. This means that the larger doses available in vials can be reserved for life-threatening situations.
One specific use of the pre-filled syringes of phytonadione is for cranial bleeding due to birth trauma in newborns. The availability of the injectable form is important in this case. Classic hemorrhagic disease (1-7 days after birth) and late hemorrhagic disease (3-8 weeks after birth) of newborns can be prevented for breastfed babies by having the mother take phytonadione tablets. Newborns are normally vitamin K deficient because the placenta doesn't transfer it from the mother very efficiently, and their liver is not yet fully functional
One specific use of the pre-filled syringes of phytonadione is for cranial bleeding due to birth trauma in newborns. The availability of the injectable form is important in this case. Classic hemorrhagic disease (1-7 days after birth) and late hemorrhagic disease (3-8 weeks after birth) of newborns can be prevented for breastfed babies by having the mother take phytonadione tablets. Newborns are normally vitamin K deficient because the placenta doesn't transfer it from the mother very efficiently, and their liver is not yet fully functional
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