The United States is currently experiencing an unsettling wave of drug shortages, as reported by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). This ongoing crisis is putting the flexibility and robustness of our healthcare system to the test amid an unparalleled rise in medication shortages.
According to the ASHP report, the first three months of the year saw the addition of 48 new drugs to the shortage list, raising the total number to an all-time high of 323. This influx only confirms that the crisis is not only persistent but also intensifying at a worrying rate.
Of key concern is the impact on vital drugs, primarily used for patient care. The report emphasized that the majority of the medications in active shortage by the end of March were central nervous system drugs, followed by antimicrobials and hormonal agents.
The drug shortage does not just affect oral medications. As surprising as it may seem, injectables contributed to 46% of the new shortages, demonstrating a broad-ranging effect on a diversity of medical treatments.
A detailed look at the shortage list underscores the wide scope of this crisis. Central nervous system drugs were the most lacking, with a shocking 66 medicines in short supply by the end of March. Antimicrobials were not far behind, with 43 drugs listed, underlining the issue’s severity further.
Solving the medication shortage crisis undoubtedly requires the collective effort of healthcare stakeholders, regulatory bodies, and pharmaceutical companies. The need for actionable and sustainable solutions is more pertinent now than ever.
In the face of such a crisis, turn to our Trade and Contracting solutions. We’re ready to partner with you, offering support through our Channel Insights. Our reports, including distribution by channel, SP, SD, and Hub total shipments, distribution by diagnosis, on-time shipments, 3PL returns, and replenishment rates, enable your team to concentrate resources and enhance performance.
Additionally, Claritas Rx provides specific trade and contract reports, allowing you to examine and compare GPO and non-GPO volume and financial metrics on both a monthly and quarterly basis. This helps you evaluate the effectiveness of your programs and respond efficiently to evolving challenges. Ultimately, the ASHP report is a poignant reminder of the ever-increasing medication shortages that the United States is battling, urging us to take decisive steps to ensure patients’ health and safety.