FDA reports more than 100 drug shortages nationwide

NASHVILLE – Recent supply chain disruptions are affecting everything from clothing to food, and even trips to the pharmacy. Popular drugs like Adderall, oxycodone, and insulin are running low across the country.

In Tennessee, Steve Beasley said he has trouble finding iron dextran for his iron infusions. “I’m stuck between a rock and a hard place right now; none of the pharmacies here can get it where they can prepare it in-house.”

the FDA currently lists 112 drug shortages on their website. The reasons for the delays vary.

“Some of the companies have stopped manufacturing [iron dextran] for whatever reason, ”Beasley said. “I don’t know, it just says manufacturing delays.”

The life-saving drug Narcan is also being affected, and the Pfizer website lists the availability of your injectable formulation of naloxone depleted. “One big reason there is a shortage: Pfizer had a manufacturing problem at the beginning of the year,” said Tara Schiller, CEO of SoberBuddy, said.

One group affected by the shortage is the Opioid Supply and Safety Network (OSSN) Buyers Club. The group is the largest source of naloxone distribution directly to affected communities, accounting for 1.3 million doses in 2020 alone.

the OSNN Buyers Club stated that they have an exclusive agreement with Pfizer for the low-cost generic injectable. While there is no widespread shortage of the product itself, the shortage specifically affects the program group. As of August 2021, OSNN Buyers Club programs have backorders for more than a quarter of a million doses of naloxone.

This shortage problem is creating a “perfect storm” scenario where overdoses are skyrocketing, but access to life-saving drugs is plummeting, Schiller said. “This group distributes in areas where there is no government infrastructure to buy naloxone.”

Nexstar contacted the FDA about the shortage and received the following response:

“The FDA is actively monitoring drug availability and we are committed to working with our public health partners, manufacturers, and distributors to help mitigate shortages and help ensure continued access for patients to vital, safe, and effective drugs.”