Washington Post (DC) (01/03/12)
The University of Utah Drug Information Service recently released data showing that 2011 saw 56 more drug shortages being reported than 2010, totaling nearly four times more than the 58 drug shortages reported in 2004. The impact on patient care, especially in hospitals, is becoming proportionally worse, as many drug shortages involve medications vital to chemotherapy, surgery and infection or pain treatment. The shortages have been blamed for at least 15 deaths, and though an executive order from the president has enabled the FDA to prevent over 100 new shortages, the current shortages are unlikely to be corrected soon. Many of the shortages stem from production shutdowns from contamination, quality problems, or even limited supplies of ingredients, as well as generic drug industry consolidation and the end of production for drugs with small profit margins. The Drug Information Service is offering lists of alternatives to those drugs affected by shortages, but these can be difficult to find and lack of familiarity can lead to dosage problems. Clinical trials have been delayed by the shortages and price gouging has spiraled to unprecedented levels as hospitals try to find the drugs they use on a regular basis. Several members of Congress have partnered with the FDA to hold hearings to discover the reasons behind the shortages and ways to end the problem.

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