Drug shortage threatens children with cancer, ER patients across the country

[OhioChick]

Posted: 12:49 PM

AKRON, Ohio - At Akron Children’s Hospital, there is concern the drug shortage will prevent doctors from treating children suffering from cancer.

Last year, more than 240 drugs were either in short supply or completely unavailable anywhere in the U.S., and shortages continue for many of the products, according to a report issued at the end of March by the Premier Health Care Improvement Alliance based in Charlotte.

Premier’s survey of 311 pharmacy officials, representing 228 hospitals along with outpatient treatment centers, retail pharmacies and long term care facilities, found that nearly 90 percent had experienced at least one drug shortage in the last half of 2010 that may have caused a safety issue that affected patient care. More than half said they experienced six or more such shortages.

More than three-quarters of the drugs that have been in short supply are generic products delivered by injection or intravenous lines, and tend to be used in sedation and pain relief, chemotherapy and emergency care.

More: http://www.newsnet5.com/dpp/news/health/drug-shortage-threatens-children-with-cancer-er-patients-across-the-country

[Tuesday Afternoon]

1. it is a big problem. major. very frustrating. K&R

[valerief]

2. Is it only a problem in this country? nt