As I mentioned in the story “Drug Shortages: Planning for Prevention,” an astounding one third of drug shortages, according to the FDA, could have potentially been prevented:
“According to the FDA, 37 percent of drug shortages in the U.S. are due to manufacturing issues. In addition, 27 percent of drug shortages are on account of raw materials, and another 27 percent is due to delays/capacity. A mere five percent of drug shortages result from an increased demand. That means, according to the FDA’s data, that more than one third of drug shortages could potentially be prevented.”
On November 6, the FDA sent out a drug shortage update, most of which have been since resolved. Today, a new list of drugs have changed to shortage status.
The FDA sent an update on 12/16 on current FDA drug shortages. The drugs and their statuses are as follows:
- Calcium Gluconate Injection (Updated – Currently in Shortage)
- Cefazolin Injection (Updated – Currently in Shortage)
- Cefotetan Disodium Injection (Updated – Currently in Shortage)
- Doxorubicin (Adriamycin) Injection (Updated – Currently in Shortage)
- Imipenem and Cilastatin for Injection, USP (Updated – Currently in Shortage)
- Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection, USP (Updated – Currently in Shortage)
According to the FDA:
“A drug receives Resolved status when the Drug Shortages Staff (DSS) determines that the market is covered, based on information from all manufacturers. The market is considered covered when supply is available from at least one manufacturer to cover total market demand. However, some manufacturers may not have all presentations available. DSS monitors the supply of products with Resolved status. For the most current supply information, contact the manufacturers.”
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