Crypto News: Hacking the drug shortages

Hi, it's Ike in Boston. Wherever I go these days, whether at a party or hiking up a mountain, it seems people are talking about drug shortages. But first ...

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Shortages of essential medicines in the US, like antibiotics, cancer drugs, and psychiatric medications, are at a five-year high. Congress and the White House are investigating, but patients are still showing up to the pharmacy only to find that their prescription is out of stock.

What can you do? I caught up with Michael Ganio, senior director of pharmacy practice and quality with the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, which hosts a database of drug shortages. Here are four of his suggestions:

1. Ask the pharmacist if it's a local or a national shortage

Just because a drug is out of stock in one particular pharmacy on one particular day doesn't mean there are widespread supply issues. If one location of a chain pharmacy doesn't have the drug, ask them to call other stores, or try calling yourself.

Be patient and resourceful. Not only are there shortages of drugs, but there are also shortages of pharmacists. Stores have been cutting back hours, and pharmacists are increasingly burned out after years of a stressful Covid-19 pandemic.

"Pharmacies are under a lot of pressure as far as workforce, so they may leave some of it on the patient to do some of the legwork," Ganio says.

2. Try to get a different dosage or formulation

Sometimes one dose will be out of stock, but the pharmacy will have plenty of another. For some medications, taking two 10mg tablets is basically the same as taking one 20mg pill and, depending on state law, the pharmacist could make this change at the counter. In some states, the pharmacist might need to call the doctor, or you might need a new prescription. Switching between solid pills and liquid medicine could also be an option. Just make sure to check whether the new drug is covered by insurance.

"On the outpatient side, with the exception of the ADHD medications, there's usually a pretty reasonable alternative," Ganio says. "It's just a matter of coordinating with the pharmacist and prescriber to navigate insurance."

3. Call the manufacturer for more information

Most drug companies have customer service lines. If a pharmacist says your drug is out of stock, but the shortage isn't listed on the ASHP database or on the Food and Drug Administration's website, a manufacturer may be able to tell you whether there is a widespread issue or perhaps just a problem at your pharmacy.

4. Complain to your legislators and agitate for change

Civic engagement is never a bad idea. Several congressional committees have been discussing drug shortages, and lawmakers occasionally mention the plight of their constituents. "Pick up the phone," Ganio says. "Demand action." — Ike Swetlitz

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