January 26, 2024
The Senate Finance Committee and other elected leaders are expected to consider key policy solutions to address the ongoing drug shortages that have plagued health care.
Last year, the U.S. experienced shortages for critical cancer treatments and other injectable drugs (morphine, saline) that impacted patient care. Federal figures show the nation had its highest level of shortages since 2014, and there were 77 generic sterile injectables (GSI) in short supply.
Lawmakers in the U.S. Senate Finance Committee published a new white paper Thursday with potential policy approaches to relieve shortages in generic drugs, including sterile injectables that represent one of the most vulnerable drug classes.
“Shortages can delay or deny necessary care for patients or force prescribers to turn to second-line alternatives, which sometimes prove less effective or pose additional risks compared to the drug in shortage,” the paper notes.
Here are a few takeaways:
HAP continues to monitor the latest on the nation’s drug shortages and provide updates to members. The white paper is available to review online.
Tags: Access to Care | Public Health | Emergency Preparedness | Regulatory Advocacy
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