After the President issued the executive order, a series of action steps were taken, including implementation of critical tools and resources and a new practice by drug manufacturers to alert the FDA of impending drug shortages. As a result, there has been a six-fold jump in notifications about potential drug shortages in the last six months. In addition, the FDA was able to prevent more than 120 drug shortages. The country is now seeing dramatically fewer drug shortages (42 drug shortages) this year compared to last year (90 drug shortages).
“This data is a testament to how FDA exercises flexibility and discretion in much of our work on drug shortages and the importance of strong collaboration and constant communication with industry, health professionals and patients,” Margaret Hamburg, MD, commissioner of the FDA.
Despite these improvements, Dr. Hamburg admits work is still needed to address other critical and life-threatening drug shortages, including those related to anesthesia drugs and cancer drugs.
Related Articles on Medication Safety:
Bill That Would Improve Drug, Medication Safety for Children Passes Senate Committee
CDC Issues Restatement on Single Dose, Single Use Vials
IOM Calls for Process to Improve Safety of Approved Drugs
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