Shortages of prescribed drugs..topical thread
The number of newly reported drug shortages (mostly generic) has been growing:
- There were 74 newly reported drug shortages in 2005.
- The number dipped slightly to 70 in 2006, then rose to 129 in 2007, 149 in 2008, 166 in 2009, and 211 in 2010.
- In mid-2011 there were about 246 shortages.
NPR had a special on this about a month ago, but increasing numbers of people in Boston area report inability to easily fill prescriptions is on the rise, and hospitals report shortages that affect their abilities to deliver services, even surgery.
Been following this for years and not certain how to fix the problem.
Biggest problems appear to be shortages of anesthesia and cutting edge cancer drugs. I am a little puzzled about the anesthesia meds, none are exotic and the market demand should be steady. I will have to check my surgery sources.
In the past few years there have been spot shortages of antibiotics, which makes no sense to me at all, but there are usually plenty of alternatives.
Just in time inventory practices.
Hmmm. As for anesthesia drugs, what about illegal demand? They used to have ether parties, you know. 😉