Alert: Vial for Paralyzing Agent is Very Similar to Fluviral Vial
(Image from BCPhA Practice Update: similar vial warning)
Both the College and the BC Pharmacy Association have received some concerns that the vial for the paralyzing agent rocuronium bromide (DIN 02318415) is visually very similar to the vial for the Fluviral influenza vaccine.
Rocuronium Bromide (DIN 02318415) is an aminosteroid non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocker commonly used in Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD).
In order to mitigate the risk of potential errors, pharmacists who order medical assistance in dying (MAiD) medications are warned to take extra caution to store all MAiD medications securely, and away from other medications.
With the 2019/2020 flu season approaching, the College is asking pharmacists to ensure that appropriate systems and processes are in place to prevent errors of this nature from occurring.
Medication errors are a leading cause of preventable injuries and result in significant costs to health systems across the world. In 2017/18 and 2018/19, the most common complaints received by the College were related to medication dispensing errors by pharmacy professionals.