Shortage of injectable chromium

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists reports a shortage of injectable chromium in the form of chromic chloride. In this instance the ASHP bulletin contains the key recommendations for dealing with this shortage and links to detailed information from the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (my bold in their introduction to the topic).

While there are no replacements for trace element injections, dose conservation or alternate therapy measures can be taken.  The American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (A.S.P.E.N.) has developed conservation recommendations and alternate therapy measures in order to cope with the shortages.  If the shortage persists, patients will go untreated, have trace element imbalances, or may be withdrawn from required parenteral nutrition therapy.  We consider the lack of trace element injections to be a serious health issue for patients requiring parenteral nutrition in the U.S.  The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Drug Shortage Program is working very hard to try to resolve these issues.

Enteral nutrition refers to passage through the intestinal tract starting from the mouth, esophagus, rectum, or artificial openings (ostomies). Parenteral nutrition refers to avoidance of the intestinal tract and involves injection into a vein.

The other current shortages in this category are phytonadione (vitamin K),  zinc in the chloride or sulfate form, and vitamin A. Also see my post, Shortage of injectable phytonadione.