Prescription Drug Shortages Cause Alarm
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Prescription drug shortages are a cause for alarm at many hospitals. A recent report shows that hospitals are facing shortages on a variety of prescription drugs list medications– specifically those that treat serious illnesses such as those pertaining to heart issues and cancer. The shortages have caused some patients to be put on hold while medical personnel scramble to find appropriate substitutes if the favored drug is not available.
"It's just a matter of time now before we call for a drug that we need to save a patient's life and we find out there isn't any" says Dr. Eric Lavonas, who is a member of the American College of Emergency Physicians.
Prescription Drug Shortages a Concern
This is not a new problem for hospitals and clinics but it seems to be a problem that is getting worse. The number of prescription drug shortages has tripled in the past five years. Last year, it was reported that more than 200 prescription medications were in short supply. While some drug shortages have been remedied, the first quarter of this year showed another 89 drugs have become increasingly scarce. The report came from the Drug Information Service at the University of Utah, a service that tracks drug shortages and other issues for the American Society of Health System Pharmacists.
The reports show that the vast majority of drugs in short supply include injectable medications most often used by emergency rooms, cancer wards and intensive care units. The FDA is currently working on a system by which other countries will supply their versions of the unattainable medicines to endure any prescription drug shortage.
