Drug Shortage

NEW YORK — The United States has hit a 10-year high in drug shortages, according to a presenter at the Infectious Diseases in Children Symposium.

A virtual town hall meeting featuring a panel of regulatory, pharmacy and procurement experts addressed the ongoing shortage of oncology drugs.

Most U.S. cancer centers reported experiencing a shortage of at least one type of oncology drug, according to the results of a National Comprehensive Cancer Network survey on chemotherapy shortages.

Of the many drug shortages in the U.S. this year, several are used in cardiac emergencies, according to the American Society for Health-System Pharmacists.

So far in 2023, there has been an overwhelming shortage of chemotherapy drugs, of which several specifically impact gynecologic oncology providers and patients.

ASCO Chief Medical Officer Julie R. Gralow, MD, FACP, FASCO, urged members of Congress to take action on cancer drug shortages, which she described as the worst she has witnessed during her 30-year career in oncology.

Cancer centers in the United States continue to experience critical shortages of commonly used platinum-based chemotherapies, according to survey results from National Comprehensive Cancer Network.

Amid an ongoing drug shortage, the FDA is allowing the chemotherapy drug cisplatin to be imported from China.

SEATTLE — Over the course of more than 5 years, antibiotic supply chain issues have not improved, potentially impacting patient treatment and stewardship, according to a study.

In late October 2022, the FDA declared a shortage of albuterol sulfate inhalation solution 0.5%, and as of early April the shortage is still in effect, according to the administration’s website.