Over 99% of health care system pharmacists report experiencing drug shortages, according to a quarterly survey by American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). Out of the 1,123 pharmacists who responded to the ASHP survey, nearly a third of participants labeled the shortage as “critically impactful,” causing health care professionals to delay, ration, or cancel treatments or procedures. Antineoplastic (chemotherapy) drugs continue to be the most in demand, followed by corticosteroid and hormonal drugs; oral liquids (eg, lidocaine, ibuprofen, amoxicillin); and “crash cart” drugs (eg, prefilled syringes).
With 309 drugs in short supply, patients may seek out other, and sometimes questionable, sources for their medications. Learn more about how pharmacists can help patients find safer alternative medications in the January 2023 issue of Innovations®.