As the drug shortage continues, hospitals are seeking alternative medication and care treatments. In recent years, medications for cancer, cystic fibrosis, and even cardiac arrest have reached an all-time low in supply, according to the Associated Press. Drug shortages are due to product recalls, contamination and lack of raw materials, notes Medical News Today.
Faced with scare supplies, hospitals may use medication substitutes and, in some cases, delay patient care. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is also seeking foreign help by importing generic drugs to the U.S.
Congress, aware of the drug shortages, is also lobbying for solutions. Sen. Herb Kohl (D-Wis.) is asking the Federal Trade Commission to consider pending drug company mergers to remedy the shortages. In addition, Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) introduced a bill that, if enacted, would require manufacturers to provide the FDA advance notice of delays that would cause possible drug shortages.
To learn more:
- read the Medical News Today story
- check out the Associated Press story