Update On 2023 Drug Shortages
Are The Reported Ongoing Chemotherapeutic Shortages Leading to Rationing?
An ongoing shortage of certain key chemotherapy drugs threatens to cause a significant disruption of care for many oncology patients.
There are concerns about the possibility of rationing as a result of the ongoing shortages of the drugs cisplatin and carboplatin. Reports from oncology experts indicate that other therapies may be more hazardous and less successful than these two drugs.
According to pharmacy insiders, The American Society of Clinical Oncology has issued recommendations that physicians with low supplies of these particular therapeutics use them for patients who have a greater likelihood of recovery. And that the drugs should not be used for patients with widespread or recurrent disease.
Cisplatin and carboplatin are manufactured in sterile facilities and require a steady supply of platinum. The special factories that produce them require a sterile setting and unique controls to protect workers from the drugs' toxic effects.
Monitor for availability updates here:
Learn more from the The American Society of Clinical Oncology here:
Read more about the effects of the shortages here:
https://cancerletter.com/clinical/20230526_1/
Resources
The American Pharmacists Association
The American Society of Clinical Oncology
CancerLetter.com
Disclaimer: The above guide represents study materials; always seek and follow the advice of your medical provider for any acute or chronic medical issues or questions, and follow the protocols of your program or supervising agency.