Drug Shortages

It seems that drug shortages have been getting worse and worse over the last couple years, and there is no end in sight. Drug shortages are caused by a number of factors, including slow production of less-profitable generics, the consolidation of pharmaceutical companies, snags in manufacturing and crackdowns in regulations on companies. The University of Utah’s Drug Information service has kept track of these drug shortages for the last ten years, saying that the short supply has risen from 70 drugs in 2006 to 211 in 2010. Already in the first quarter of 2011, 89 drugs were in short supply.

So how are doctors coping with these problems? Simply put, they have to prioritize who receives many treatments. As drugs including chemotherapy medication, antibiotics, painkillers, and electrolytes used for liquid nutrition are included on the shortage list, doctors are having to decide which patients will benefit from them the most. Often times, they will also delay treatment to their patients, having to explain to them that later treatment is better than treatment with suboptimal options.

With patience and understanding from the patients and hard work by the doctors, most of the pitfalls from the drug shortage can be overcome and patients can receive solid medical care. But still, some worry about the future. With no end to the drug shortages in sight, how will doctors and patients cope in the future?

Contact HCC Pharmacy Business Solutions for all of your pharmacy questions such as design, pharmacy business plans and interim management .