OctariusRx, LLC

10/05/2026

Drug Shortages Update: October 2026

This week we are once again providing an update on the most recent drug shortages.

Drug shortages are just above 70 different medications, with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) noting 71 products as being unavailable. Some of these shortages are short term, or limited availability, while others are completely unavailable with unknown release dates.

As noted above, the current list stands at 71 products, which is down two from our last update in July. In this week’s client newsletter, we have two separate lists of medications in short supply. The first list covers the most commonly used medications in ambulatory surgery centers, while the second addresses medications commonly used long-term care facilities.

In addition to the two lists of unavailable medications, we are also providing a link to Ten Steps to Dealing with Drug Shortages.

If you’re not a client and would like to benefit from all the resources and updates we provide, contact us today.

This week we discuss the most recent drug shortages, currently just over 70 different medications, and how you can minimize impact on patient care.

09/14/2026

🚨 Big News: Survey Readiness in Medication Management

In the fast-paced environment of an ambulatory surgery center (ASC), some of the most dangerous infection risks are completely invisible, quietly hiding within daily medication management routines.

As the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) enforce strict compliance penalties and updated surveyor guidelines, simple tasks like multi-dose vial storage and IV compounding can quickly escalate into immediate-jeopardy citations if overlooked.

That is why I am thrilled to announce that I will be speaking at the 2026 New England ASC Conference, hosted by the Massachusetts Association of Ambulatory Surgery Centers (MAASC)!

👥 Session Title: Survey-Ready Infection Control: Practical Guidance from a Consultant Pharmacist

📅 Date: October 23, 2026
📍 Location: Hilton Boston (Dedham, MA)

We will dive deep into three critical goals:

1️⃣ Understand the Landscape: Recognizing the real-world risks of healthcare-associated infections.
2️⃣ Master Safe Practices: Implementing evidence-based, practical standards for aseptic technique and vial handling.
3️⃣ Ensure Survey Readiness: Aligning workflows directly with the CMS Infection Control Surveyor Worksheet.

Let’s protect your facility, your staff, and your patients.

👇 Read the full preview on our latest blog post or drop a comment below with your toughest pharmacy compliance hurdles!

https://octariusrx.com/victor-alves-presenting-at-the-2025-new-england-asc-conference-2

08/31/2026

Medication safety starts with competency.

The 2026 OctariusRx Medication Safety Quiz is now available, helping healthcare facilities strengthen staff knowledge, improve compliance, and reinforce safe medication practices.

Regulators continue to focus on documented competency, controlled substance safety, proper labeling, and clear medication documentation. Facilities must demonstrate not only that staff are trained, but that competency is routinely assessed and reinforced.

Our updated 2026 quiz includes:
• Medication labeling and safe handling
• Allergy verification and documentation
• Controlled substance safety and diversion awareness
• High-alert medication risk recognition
• Medication storage and beyond-use dating
• Real-world, scenario-based safety questions

This tool is designed to both assess and educate, helping facilities identify knowledge gaps, improve processes, and support a culture of medication safety.

OctariusRx clients will receive the updated quiz during upcoming visits. If your facility would like a copy or guidance on building a strong medication competency program, we’re happy to help.

Assess. Educate. Improve Medication Safety.

https://octariusrx.com/medication-safety-quiz-2026/

Updated 2026 medication safety quiz helps facilities assess staff competency, strengthen compliance, and improve patient safety through education and evaluation.

08/12/2026

Medication management is one of the most common areas cited during ASC surveys—and often the most preventable.

From outdated policies to storage issues and missing oversight documentation, surveyors tend to find the same gaps again and again.

Our latest blog breaks down the most common medication management mistakes ASCs make during surveys—and how our consultant pharmacists help prevent them through proactive oversight, audits, and compliance support.

👉 Read the full article and see how continuous compliance starts long before survey day.

https://octariusrx.com/common-medication-management-mistakes-ascs-make-during-surveys-and-how-our-consultant-pharmacists-help-prevent-them/

Common medication management mistakes ASCs make during surveys—and how consultant pharmacists help prevent findings and ensure compliance.

07/27/2026

Drug Shortages Update: July 2026

This week we are once again providing an update on the most recent drug shortages.

Drug shortages are just above 70 different medications, with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) noting 73 products as being unavailable. Some of these shortages are short term, or limited availability, while others are completely unavailable with unknown release dates.

As noted above, the current list stands at 73 products, which is down six from our last update in April. In this week’s client newsletter, we have two separate lists of medications in short supply. The first list covers the most commonly used medications in ambulatory surgery centers, while the second addresses medications commonly used long-term care facilities.
In addition to the two lists of unavailable medications, we are also providing a link to Ten Steps to Dealing with Drug Shortages.

If you’re not a client and would like to benefit from all the resources and updates we provide, contact us today.

https://octariusrx.com/drug-shortages-update-july-2026/

This week we discuss the most recent drug shortages, currently just over 70 different medications, and how you can minimize impact on patient care.

07/13/2026

💊 How many medications on your patients' medication lists were approved this year?

The FDA continues to approve new medications across a wide range of therapeutic categories, providing new treatment options while creating new challenges for healthcare professionals responsible for medication reconciliation and patient safety.

Our latest 2026 New Medication Update highlights FDA approvals through June 24, 2026 and reinforces why staying current with new therapies is essential for:

✔️ Medication reconciliation
✔️ Patient safety
✔️ Perioperative assessment
✔️ Survey readiness
✔️ Regulatory compliance

As new medications enter the market, having reliable resources and ongoing staff education is critical to ensuring safe patient care.
How does your organization keep staff informed about newly approved medications?

https://octariusrx.com/new-medications-approved-in-2026-mid-year-update-for-healthcare-professionals/

Review FDA-approved medications through June 24, 2026, and learn how healthcare organizations can improve medication reconciliation and patient safety.

07/02/2026

Happy Independence Day Weekend!

As we celebrate Independence Day weekend, we pause to reflect on the courage, sacrifice, and vision that shaped our nation and continue to inspire us today.

At OctariusRx, we are grateful for the opportunity to serve healthcare leaders and organizations dedicated to protecting and strengthening their communities. Independence Day reminds us that freedom, responsibility, and service are values not only to be honored, but lived — in our work, our leadership, and our commitment to those we serve.

Wishing everyone a safe, meaningful, and proud Fourth of July.

“America is another name for opportunity.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson

https://octariusrx.com/happy-independence-day-2026/

06/29/2026

Maintaining pharmacy compliance in ASCs isn’t a one-time task—it’s an ongoing commitment.

From evolving CMS requirements to state pharmacy regulations, continuous compliance requires proactive oversight, routine audits, and staff education built into daily operations.

At OctariusRx, we help ASCs move beyond reactive survey prep to build sustainable pharmacy compliance programs that support patient safety and operational confidence.

🔗 Read more: https://octariusrx.com/how-to-maintain-continuous-compliance-with-pharmacy-regulations-in-ascs/

Learn how ASCs can maintain continuous pharmacy compliance through audits, education, and proactive regulatory oversight.

06/15/2026

Medications to Avoid Before Surgery: An OctariusRx Ambulatory Surgery Center Checklist

Ensuring patient safety starts before the first incision. At OctariusRx, we help ambulatory surgery centers streamline preoperative medication guidance to reduce surgical risk, prevent same-day cancellations, and support efficient perioperative management.
From blood thinners and NSAIDs to GLP-1 and SGLT2 medications, clear guidance is critical for safer, on-time procedures.

Read our latest checklist for ASCs and see how structured medication guidance improves outcomes: https://octariusrx.com/medications-to-avoid-before-surgery-an-octariusrx-ambulatory-surgery-center-checklist/

Essential preoperative medication guidance for ASCs to reduce surgical risk and ensure safe, efficient perioperative management

06/01/2026

June is National Safety Month!

At OctariusRx, we believe that safety isn’t just a requirement — it’s a responsibility. From safe medication management to workplace hazard prevention, our consultant pharmacists help healthcare facilities strengthen safety, reduce risk, and ensure compliance every day.

This month, take a moment to assess your safety culture. Are your policies, audits, and education programs protecting both patients and staff? If not, we can help.

Let’s make safety your competitive advantage.

💊 Expert Guidance | Real Compliance | Lasting Safety

https://octariusrx.com/june-is-national-safety-month-2026-building-a-culture-of-safety-with-octariusrx/

Celebrate National Safety Month 2026 with OctariusRx—strengthening patient, staff, and medication safety across healthcare settings.