A “tripledemic” and temporary recent shortages of popular medicines such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and amoxicillin have fueled concern about supply chains and shortages of vital medications.
In December 2021, the US Food and Drug Administration’s drug shortage unit asked manufacturers to evaluate their entire supply chain, including active pharmaceutical ingredients, finished dose forms and any components that may be affected in any area of the supply chain due to the pandemic.
Though the missive had no particularly urgent tone, it still rattled practitioners. The FDA later issued a statement observing that “while many current drug shortages may be temporary, they do cut across nearly every sector of the economy, and some could eventually impact nursing homes in the coming year.” Still, drug shortages happen all the time, prompting most expert observers to stress calm in the current environment.
“We’re not seeing [medication] supply as a major issue at the moment, but we need public health officials to continue to make long-term care residents the highest priority for access to these medications,” an American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living spokeswoman told McKnight’s late last year.
“Pharmacists are knowledgeable and stay steps ahead of risks like shortages,” said Chad Worz, PharmD, BCGP, American Society of Consultant Pharmacists chief executive. “Many infections and conditions have multiple solutions so a shortage in one medication may just increase the reliance on another.”
Stephen Creasy, PharmD, director of clinical services for PharMerica, acknowledged that although drug shortages are exacerbated by external events, “any medication is at possible risk of being in short supply in the coming 12 months. That being said, traditionally trademarked brand medications are more durable against shortages.”
As Creasy noted, prior mild flu seasons in part have “overwhelmed the current supply of the products, leading to sporadic drug shortages.”
“What keeps pharmacists up at night is the shortage we do not know about yet,” he added.
