Recent trends in drug shortages: an update from the 2003 report

Abstract

In 2003, we reported our seven-years experience managing drug shortages.1 This report explores the recent trends we have identified while managing drug shortages at our own health system and while providing shortage content for Novation and the ASHP Drug Shortage Resource Center, with emphasis on the last five years. A detailed description of our methods was described in our previous report.1 Briefly, the University of Utah Drug Information Service (DIS) researches potential drug shortages brought to our attention either by our purchasing staff or through reports submitted by ASHP or Novation. We use a variety of methods, including the Drug Topics Red Book to determine manufacturers and national drug codes for the potentially affected products. We systematically contact the customer service agents at each manufacturer to determine whether a shortage exists. If a shortage exists, the DIS prepares clinically relevant information for posting on the ASHP and Novation websites. When a product is in short supply, we continue to contact the manufacturers until all suppliers have stock readily available.