by Richard Knox
October 3, 2011
Drug shortages mean a growing number of Americans aren't getting the medications they need. That's causing drug companies and doctors to ration available medications in some cases.
"We're now at 213 shortages for this year," says Erin Fox of the University of Utah, who tracks national drug shortages. "That surpasses last year's total of 211. And it doesn't seem like there's an end in sight."
The shortages involve a wide range of medications: cancer chemotherapy agents, anesthetics, antibiotics, electrolytes needed for nutrient solutions, and dozens more. One drug currently in short supply is used in critically ill patients to bring down soaring blood pressure.
"We know this is a dire public health situation," Assistant Secretary of Health and Human Services Howard Koh told NPR, "and there have been delays in care."
According to those who are tracking drug shortages, there have been more than delays. Some patients have died.
That's what the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists found when they did an anonymous survey of members. Last week the Associated Press reported that at least 15 people have died as a result of drug shortages.
And last spring, nine Alabama patients died and 10 others got seriously ill after getting bacteria-contaminated intravenous feeding solutions made by local pharmacies. In a report on that episode, the Institute for Safe Medication Practices notes that hospitals are relying more on such "batch" suppliers "due to an unprecedented escalation in shortages" of IV nutrient fluids from pharmaceutical companies.
