This was found in an article written from a Doctor and Pharmacist in Southern Wisconsin.
The reason for our drug shortage includes:
http://gazettextra.com/news/2011/nov/20/national-drug-shortage-affects-southern-wisconsin-/
Manufacturing problems: Raw material shortages can make it difficult for manufacturers to bring drugs to market, said Don Janczak, director of pharmacy at Mercy Hospital and Trauma Center.
Business decisions: Two companies might merge and discontinue a drug both were producing, or manufacturers might make a business decision to discontinue a product. This is happening with many generic drugs that have been on the market for years because it might not be profitable to continue making the generic drug, Janczak said.
Regulatory standards: U.S. Food and Drug Administration inspections might force manufacturers to temporarily shut down production, and other companies can’t keep up.
President Barack Obama stepped in Oct. 31, ordering the FDA to help prevent and reduce drug shortages, protect consumers and prevent price gouging.
Pending legislation would require manufacturers to notify health care providers and wholesalers of impending shortages so people can prepare, said Jeff Elser, pharmacist at Dean Clinic.
A “gray market” for prescription drugs also has developed. Area pharmacists say they don’t buy from such suppliers, who price gouge, because they don’t know where the drugs are from.
After reviewing several articles I was surprised to find that most SubQ anticoagulants are part of this drug shortage. I was not aware of this at all, I haven't heard anything while I was in clinical. I was giving anticoagulants to my patients every shift so I was very surprised that this dug was included in the shortage. Have any of you experienced problems with the anticoagulant drugs?
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