When Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico last year, the effects were felt worldwide. The hurricane damaged multiple manufacturing facilities, including the very ones that supply the most basic necessity for any care facility: the saline bag. Since then, there has been a shortage of these bags available to care systems in the United States, forcing facilities to scramble for other alternatives.

Shortages of injectable opioids, such as morphine, hydromorphone, and fentanyl are also in shortage as of late fall 2017. The shortages are predicted to continue through early 2018^1,2. Fortunately, oral (solid) forms of these drugs are not in shortage and are efficient when a patient needs to be administered medications for symptom control.

But how can you hydrate or administer oral drugs to a patient who is unable to swallow?

The Macy Catheter was designed for discrete and comfortable rectal administration of medications and other fluids when IV and oral routes are not available to facilitate quick symptom control.  When giving oral meds, healthcare providers simply crush oral tablets, add a small amount of water, and then mix to form a suspension which is then administered via the Macy Catheter. Further, if a patient is in need of hydration and IV starts aren’t possible, the Macy Catheter can be used to facilitate rectal hydration.

About The Macy Catheter

When the oral route is compromised, knowledgeable clinicians turn to the Macy Catheter®. Developed by Hospi Corporation, the Macy Catheter is the best alternative for rapid administration of medication and fluids. Patented and FDA cleared, the Macy Catheter provides access to the clinically proven rectal route of delivery. It can be used in multiple settings, including hospice and palliative care, skilled nursing facilities, and the emergency department. The Macy Catheter improves patient care and nursing efficiency while decreasing the cost of care.

To learn more, visit: MacyCatheter, email us at or call us at 888.891.1200.

MED Alliance Group is a medical device distributor with more than 350 years of combined medical device sales and distribution experience. Dedicated to meeting the needs of its clinical customers and manufacturing partners, MED Alliance offers cost effective, customized sales, logistics, and distribution solutions.

References

¹American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. Current drug shortages: Fentanyl citrate injection [October 8, 2017]; Morphine injection [October 4, 2017]; Hydromorphone hydrochloride injection [October 2, 2017]. Accessed October 16, 2017.  Click here to view.

² U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Current and Resolved Drug Shortages and Discontinuations Reported to FDA. Accessed October 16, 2017. Click here to view.