(May 19, 2023) – Drug shortages continue to impact patients and hospital care, with shortages of cancer drugs causing growing concern. According to a March 2023 Homeland Security report, drug shortages increased nearly 30 percent between 2021 and 2022; with more than 15 critical drug products in shortage for more than the last ten years. The Food and Drug Administration issued draft guidance in April to manufacturers regarding notifying the FDA on discontinuance or interruption of manufacturing; intended to assist FDA with prevention and mitigation of drug shortages. There are a number of cancer drugs and other critical agents on the ASHP drug shortage list.
KHA staff continue to monitor drug shortages and stay in contact with the American Hospital Association, FDA and Region VII federal agencies regarding drug shortages. According to recent communications with the FDA, methotrexate injection, cisplatin injection, and carboplatin injection shortages have occurred due to the decision of one manufacturer to place product on hold and the remaining approved manufacturers have had difficulty meeting demand.
The FDA is continuing to work with approved manufacturers on resolving these shortages and are exploring all options, including temporary importation. Providers may also continue to report drug shortages to the FDA and request assistance on obtaining supply by contacting Drugshortages@fda.hhs.gov. KHA wants to hear from our members about how drug shortages are impacting your patients and facility so that we may continue to keep this issue at the forefront with AHA and federal agencies. To share drug shortage stories and concerns, contact Karen Braman at (785) 233-7436.
--Karen Braman