Migraine and the Nationwide Magnesium Shortage: Update

January 25th, 2012 - Posted by Ellen

As of this date, the nationwide Magnesium Sulfate shortage appears to continue, and it is unclear when it will be over. However, for Migraineurs who depend on Magnesium Sulfate IV therapy to abort their Migraine attacks, there is good news…

Physicians with IV infusion capabilities can bypass their usual commercial vendors and therefore the shortage by ordering it from their local compounding pharmacy.
You can ask your physician for a prescription of compounded Mag Sulfate for IV use. If the pharmacy is able to make it up, it can be infused in some doctor’s offices, your local ER or even infused at home.

Cons:

Compounding pharmacies are more difficult to find. Most hospitals have access to a local compounding pharmacy that can make up Mag Sulfate for IV infusions however.
Compounded medications are often more expensive than their commercially available counterparts.
Using compounded Mag Sulfate requires forethought. Either the hospital’s Emergency Department needs to ask for it ahead of time so that it is in stock for you when you need it, or your physician will have to order it. Not all compounding pharmacies will necessarily stock the ingredients for the solution, so there may be a day or more wait time if it is not pre-ordered.
Some insurance companies do not cover compounded drugs, or do so at a reduced rate.
You may be asked to pay cash for your Mag Sulfate and have to turn it into your insurance for reimbursement later.

For more information on the Magnesium shortage see: Nationwide Shortage May Affect Migraineurs

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