Recent data from the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists and the University of Utah Drug Information Service reveals a concerning trend in the United States - a record-high of 323 drugs are currently in active shortage in the first quarter of 2024. This marks a significant increase from previous years, with shortages steadily trending upwards since 2021.
All drug classes are vulnerable to shortages, with some of the most critical shortages affecting generic sterile injectable medications, cancer chemotherapy drugs, emergency medications, and therapies for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. The shortage of 32 chemotherapy drugs is particularly alarming, along with shortages in central nervous system stimulants, antimicrobials, hormone agents, and intravenous fluids.
Drug shortages have lasting impacts, with the average shortage lasting about a year and a half and affecting at least half a million patients, particularly older adults. Manufacturing and quality issues, such as supply chain gaps and discontinuations, are often cited as root causes of shortages.
The US Health and Human Services Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation has highlighted the severity of the issue, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to address drug shortages. The recent publication of a white paper by HHS outlines policy recommendations to prevent shortages and enhance supply chain resilience.
While collaborations with manufacturers and hospitals are proposed to bring transparency to the drug market and incentivize investment in supply chains, concerns have been raised about potential financial penalties for hospitals that may struggle to comply with the recommendations.
The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists stresses the urgency of addressing the root causes of drug shortages at the federal level, emphasizing that managing shortages alone is not a sustainable solution to the escalating crisis.
