ASHP Demands More Manufacturing of Ventilator Drugs for COVID-19

ASHP recently urged the Trump administration to take action to address shortages of supportive ventilator drugs as the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases continues to rise. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) recently called on the Trump Administration to address shortages of supportive ventilator drugs as COVID-19 continues to infect more patients.  In an official letter to Vice President Mike Pence, ASHP requested the administration release drugs from the Strategic National Stockpile to states hardest hit by COVID-19 and increase production of opioids to address shortages of medications needed to treat coronavirus patients. Ventilators are making their way to hospitals, but the drugs needed to operate them are gone or in short supply. Opioids, sedatives, and paralytics ensure the successful use of ventilators. But as patient admission increases, demand is outpacing supply and exhausting current allocations.