In this article an infectious diseases pharmacist with 20+ years of experience in the profession discusses 5 quick things to know about drug shortages.

Authored By: Timothy P. Gauthier, Pharm.D., BCPS, BCIDP

Article Posted October 2024, First Released in the July 2024 IDstewardship Newsletter

1. Not all drug “shortages” are created equal

When someone says there is a “shortage” of drug, that can mean a lot of different things. Before jumping to conclusions, take a look at the on-hand inventory and recent use data. Then take that into account when looking at what the options are for purchasing more or how long the shortage is projected to last for. To manage it rationally, it is very important to identify how acute a drug shortage is.

2. Drug shortages are sometimes formulation or dose-specific

Fairly often a formulation or a dose of a drug is not available, but other doses and formulations are available. Check the specifics and get the context to understand what impact it may have on you.

3. Drug shortages can be opportunities to implement new initiatives

I once heard Dr. Erin McCreary say “never waste a good shortage.” What she meant was use the opportunity to innovate and implement a forward-thinking practice that you may otherwise have challenges bringing forward without a sense of urgency. This of course must be done judiciously and with diplomacy, but there is no denying that the project you have on your ‘some day list’ may be ready for prime time when a drug shortage arises.

4. ASHP maintains a good drug shortage bulletin listing

Looking for the deets on the latest acyclovir, levofloxacin, or amphotericin B shortage? One great resource is the ASHP Drug Shortage List, which provides a searchable list of drug shortage bulletins. Find it here.

5. Communication is key, but tricky with drug shortages

It is good to create awareness on shortages that are nearing or have reached having an impact on clinical care. However, if we communicate on every shortage all the time, we can create a ‘boy who cried wolf’ scenario. It is a tricky thing to accurately communicate on drug shortages so that care can always be optimizing care, but there is one theme here: teamwork is the secret sauce. Having a team to work with to weather the latest drug shortages is the best way to take on the challenge.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions presented in this article represent those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of any previous, current, or potential future employer.

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