Drug shortages in the US have reached a crisis point, with at least 323 shortages reported in the first three months of 2024. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) has identified generic sterile injectable medications, including cancer chemotherapy drugs and emergency medications, as among the most worrying shortages.
The American Cancer Society has raised concerns about chemotherapy drugs returning to the top-five drug classes affected by shortages, potentially impacting patient treatment. Hospitals and clinics are reporting being completely out of medications, leading doctors to ration cancer drugs or prioritize patients.
In addition to cancer medications, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) medications, including Adderall, are also facing ongoing national shortages. Clinicians and patients alike are feeling the impacts of these shortages.
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the longstanding issue of drug shortages in the US, according to a Senate report. ASHP is working with the federal government to address shortages and advocating for increased transparency from manufacturers and greater diversity in the supply chain.
Concerns have been raised about a proposal from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services that would issue financial penalties for hospitals lacking resources to stockpile medications. ASHP is continuing to engage with policymakers to address the root causes of drug shortages and advocate for solutions that benefit its members.
As the situation continues to worsen, it is imperative that action is taken to ensure patients have access to the medications they need for their health and wellbeing.
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