Prescription drug shortages have become an increasingly common and serious problem in recent years. Shortages of essential medications and treatments are widespread. Examples include Adderall, Ozempic, and Amoxicillin.
A multitude of factors has led to the recent increase in drug shortages, including the Covid-19 pandemic’s effect on the supply chain, frivolous prescriptions of certain medications, and fewer companies making less profitable drugs. Shortages of prescription drugs can have significant consequences for patients, healthcare providers, and pharmacies. It’s important for pharmacists to be aware of the issue and understand its impact.
There are several factors that contribute to prescription medication shortages. Historically, some of the most common causes include:
Manufacturing Issues: This can include issues such as quality control problems, raw material shortages, and equipment failures. If a drug manufacturer experiences manufacturing issues, it may be forced to halt production, leading to a shortage of the drug.
Regulatory Issues: If a drug manufacturer fails to meet FDA standards, it may have to stop production until it can resolve the issues. Similarly, drugs found to have unexpected side effects or safety concerns may be taken off the market, creating a shortage.
Supply Chain Issues: The Covid-19 pandemic brought to light many bottlenecks in our drug supply chain. These bottlenecks led to nationwide prescription shortages, and underscored the fact that many of the drugs people need come from very few sources.
Prescription drug shortages can have a number of effects on pharmacies, including:
Increased Workload: When a drug is in short supply, pharmacists may need to spend more time managing inventory and working with healthcare providers to find alternative medications. This can result in an increased workload and longer hours for pharmacy staff.
Financial Implications: Prescription drug shortages can also have financial implications for pharmacies. If a pharmacy is unable to obtain a particular drug, it may need to purchase a more expensive alternative or risk losing revenue if patients choose to go elsewhere to obtain the drug.
Patient Safety Concerns: One of the most significant concerns related to drug shortages is patient safety. If a patient is unable to obtain the medication they need, they may be forced to go without treatment or switch to a less effective medication. This can lead to a variety of negative health outcomes, including increased hospitalizations and complications.
Despite the challenges associated with prescription drug shortages, there are a number of strategies that pharmacies can use to manage and minimize their impact. Some of these strategies include:
Communication: Pharmacies should work closely with healthcare providers to identify drug shortages as early as possible and develop plans for managing the impact of the shortage. This can include working with patients to find alternative medications or developing a system for prioritizing the allocation of limited drug supplies.
Inventory Management: Effective inventory management is critical for weathering the impact of drug shortages. Pharmacies should regularly review their inventory to identify potential shortages and take steps to mitigate the impact of these shortages. For example, pharmacies may need to reduce the amount of a particular drug that they dispense in order to conserve supplies.
Alternative Medications: In some cases, it may be possible to identify alternative medications that can be used in place of a drug that is in short supply. This requires working closely with patients’ healthcare providers to identify alternative treatment options and educate patients about these alternatives.
Advocacy: Pharmacists can advocate for solutions to the problem of prescription drug shortages. This might mean working with professional organizations and government agencies to identify the root causes of drug shortages and develop policy solutions to address these issues.
Having a medication shortage plan in place for your pharmacy is crucial for staying prepared. It’s also important to make sure your plan covers any and all legal responsibilities your pharmacy staff may need to follow in the event of a medication shortage. If you are a pharmacy facing (or anticipating) a medication shortage, reach out to us so we can connect you with a pharmacy attorney who can provide guidance and make sure your staff has all relevant information.