Current Drug Shortages in the United States

This article provides an overview of current drug shortages in the United States as of November 5, 2011. IMS report finds cancer drugs and generic injectables are scarcest, calls for early warning system to prevent shortages from disrupting patient care. Shortages are worst among a handful of 75 drugs, including biologicals, vitamins, antibiotics, antiemetics, antihypertensive agents, narcotic analgesics and CNS drugs. Most of the drugs on the list are generic intravenous or injectable drugs given to patients in hospitals. Manufacturers voluntarily report shortages to FDA. There are several reasons for current drug shortages. A major reason for these shortages is quality/manufacturing issues and growing demand for these drug products. Drug shortage is a long-standing problem inthe US and in many countries worldwide. There is a great need to develop a plan addressing this critical issue.