U.S. Prescription Drug Shortage Worsens

Shortages of prescription drugs in the United States increased by 30 percent from 2021 to 2022, according to a recent Senate report, and the Food and Drug Administration now lists more than 120 pharmaceuticals that are in short supply. That, however, understates the scope of the challenge by nearly half, according to the American Society of Health System Pharmacists. It compiles a drug-shortage list with 233 entries.

Among the types of drugs included are treatments for cancer, surgical anesthetics, emergency-room medications and electrolytes delivered intravenously.

A report prepared for hearings in the U.S. House of Representatives found that reasons for the shortages include a “race to the bottom” on generic-drug pricing, which has crushed profit margins for manufacturers.

Posted June 7, 2023