32 of 40 drugs deemed critical for COVID-19 in short supply

Thirty-two out of 40  drugs considered critical for treating COVID-19 patients are in short supply, according to a list made by the University of Minnesota’s Resilient Drug Supply Project, CBS News reported. 

Advertisement

An increased demand for some drugs has contributed to shortages, but the COVID-19 pandemic has also exposed shortages that have been around for years, researchers told CBS News. 

The drugs in shortage include several paralytics, such as cisatracurium, rocuronium, vecuronium; sedatives including propofol, ketamine and lorazepam; as well as antiviral, anti-infective and pain drugs.

University of Minnesota professor Stephen Schondelmeyer, PharmD, told CBS News that some of the drugs on the list have been in shortage for more than 20 years, and the pandemic has brought those shortages to light. 

Some of the drugs in shortage are paralytics used to put patients on ventilators, but others are common drugs such as acetaminophen, the main ingredient in Tylenol

Read the full article here.

More articles on pharmacy:
HHS unveils plan to distribute Gilead’s COVID-19 drug
Two-thirds of hospital pharmacies have reduced staff during COVID-19 pandemic, ASHP survey finds
New CMS rule could raise out-of-pocket drug costs

At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.

Advertisement

Next Up in Pharmacy

  • A series of recent FDA safety actions, drug recalls, label updates and court rulings across pharmacy carry operational implications for…

Advertisement

Comments are closed.