#drugshortages

[enterprisewired]

FTC Investigates Drug Supply Chain: Focus on Middlemen Amid Generic Drug Shortages

Federal Trade Commission and HHS Seek Solutions for Ongoing Drug Shortages

In response to the persistent shortages of generic drugs affecting Americans’ access to crucial medications, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has announced an examination of the roles played by drug wholesalers and companies purchasing medicines for U.S. healthcare providers. Generic drugs constitute the majority of prescriptions in the United States, and the shortages have led to the rationing of drugs by hospitals and forced patients to grapple with limited access to essential medications.

Uncovering Root Causes: Biden Administration Targets Drug Supply Chain Players

Over the past year, issues ranging from manufacturing quality control to surges in demand have contributed to a shortage of vital medicines, including injectable cancer therapies and generic versions of brand-name drugs. The Biden administration, recognizing the urgency of the situation, is now turning its attention to other players in the drug supply chain. The goal is to identify the root causes of ongoing shortages and explore potential solutions.

FTC and HHS Seek Public Input on Middlemen Practices

In a joint request for information, the FTC and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) are soliciting public comments on the contracting practices, market concentration, and compensation of two key middlemen in the drug supply chain: group purchasing organizations and drug wholesalers. Group purchasing organizations act as intermediaries, negotiating drug purchases for healthcare providers, while drug wholesalers purchase medicines from manufacturers and distribute them to providers.

The inquiry aims to determine if these middlemen have abused their market power, leading to reduced prices for generic drugs that make it unprofitable for manufacturers to continue production. Such practices may also discourage competition among rival suppliers in the generic drug market, contributing to the ongoing shortages.

Transparency and Public Participation: FTC and HHS Call for Comments

While the FTC and HHS have not named specific companies, major group purchasing organizations for hospitals include Vizient, Premier, and HealthTrust. Meanwhile, Cencora, Cardinal Health, and McKesson account for approximately 90% of prescription drug distribution in the U.S. The public is invited to share their insights and experiences over the next 60 days through submissions on Regulations.gov.

Despite being a critical aspect of the drug supply chain, group purchasing organizations and wholesalers have received limited attention on Capitol Hill. As lawmakers prioritize addressing high drug costs, this investigation seeks to shed light on potential factors contributing to the ongoing challenges in the generic drug market. The pharmaceutical industry’s complex dynamics, including the role of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), are also under scrutiny as stakeholders work towards enhancing transparency and reducing the overall cost of medications.

Read More: FTC Sues Grand Canyon University Over Deceptive Practices

[therealgutdoctor]

A 35-year-old man dies due to medication shortages after a DIY injury turns into a severe infection. Our healthcare system is crumbling under critical shortages of life-saving drugs, leading to tragic outcomes. It's time for change! Demand pharmaceutical companies bring drug manufacturing back to the USA. Secure our medication supply, create jobs, and protect our health. Don’t wait for another tragedy—take action now! 🌟 Stay proactive, stay healthy. 🌟 #HealthCrisis #DrugShortages #HealthcareReform #PatientSafety #GutHealth #PreventativeCare #HealthIsWealth #PharmaRevolution #USManufacturing #DemandChange #TakeActionNow

[martynpng]

While the government announces record budgets and billions in "major infrastructure developments" we still cannot provide basic medical supplies to our hospitals and clinics nationwide #PNG #DrugShortage https://www.instagram.com/p/CZvzBJ8B0iv/?utm_medium=tumblr

[dlsphjournalism]

HEALTHING --  Drug demand is another curve to be flattened

BY ALAN TANIGUCHI (FGJ ‘20) --  There is a second curve that needs to be flattened during the COVID-19 pandemic — the steep increase in the demand for prescription drugs, a frenzy that has aggravated the daily drug shortages plaguing the healthcare system. READ MORE. 

[essay-help-blogs]

advanced pharmacology 9

Exercises: Access the FDA’s current and resolved drug shortages and discontinuations list (http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/drugshortage…). Locate one drug used in your practice, and discuss the implications of its shortage. What alternatives are available and what are the similarities and differences between the two medications? What complications could arise due to a shortage of…

[trans-advice]

I live in Pennsylvania, and I can't get liquid injection estrogen, my doctor says they are out. So they gave me the patch which I hate, what gives? Any advice?

Well, in like October 2016, they we're saying our hormones were basically running out & trans women were in danger. Then I read the crisis got resolved or something because of finding a different type of estrogen chemical/hormone.However yeah, I got the medicinal shortages in USA on this link,but I couldn't read through it since I don't know the specific (generic) names of your medication. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/drugshortages/you do what it takes to survive. Meaning, you take your medication as best as you can. I'm not sure why you have the patches, but if it has to do with it falling apart, I would suggest putting tape over it.I'd maybe ask about pills too. I don't know enough about the medication to give definity, but seriously ask around & look up your medication's/hormone's generic names.TLDR: you must work through that, but maybe asking about pills would be helpful.Peace & Love, Good LuckEve

[qualityhomeworkanswers]

Nursing homework help

Create a presentation addressing all of the following topics: (Use oxytocin medication as the drug used in practice

Access the FDA’s current and resolved drug shortages and discontinuations list (http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/drugshortages/default.cfm). Locate one drug, OXYTOCIN used in practice, and discuss the implications of its shortage. What alternatives are available and what are…

[brotherdank-blog]

#BTW, The ONLY time #BathSalts ever really deserved sensational #HEADLINES, was in the #confounding of #comprehending #COMPOUNDED by #BotchedBathSaltExecutions, and the #smooth #legalschmegal #shmootheover (#2S2L). The Louisiana Board of Pharmacy demonstrates with #crystalclarity their #operational and #functional #incapacity. While they simultaneously hammered out Big Boy details of LA’s MMJ contract bids on 5 conditions to profitably medicate (one day,) In the same 2014, our board also took care of the national #LETHALINJECTION #DRUGSHORTAGE problem. The free world poison suppliers determined that America’s #Penal #killlist was simply too #unprofitable to maintain. So, Louisiana faithfully and expertly delivered some-ass poison concoctions which almost killed correctly… as they #FAILED to #EXECUTEHUMANS quite as one might have planned! #8upOnV2K!

#BATHSALT #BOTCHEDEXECUTIONS #DEATHROW #NONLETHALINJECTION #NOTACRIME #DAMAGECONTROL The #SMOKINGGUN leaves #NOEXCUSE for any one. #AfterWhich #ThereWillBe #noconfusion

#LouisianaBoardofPharmacy will handle it, you guys. No problem. 👍👌👊

[ogilvyhealthworldmarketaccess]

Can you say “monopsony”?

Drug shortages, particularly of generic, infused types used in inpatient settings in US hospitals, have made news because they have increased in frequency over the past few years. This week a shortage of nitroglycerin, used in patients with heart disease was announced. One issue why this happens is low profit margins have reduced the number of manufacturers for these types of drugs, and when 1 or 2 manufacturers need to interrupt production (for example, because of plant maintenance or due to regulatory penalties or other mandates), the remaining manufacturers cannot keep up with demand. Economists will wonder why prices don’t rise in order to address the imbalance in supply and demand. Yet part of the answer is often overlooked: the strong influence the federal government has on price levels by virtue of its massive purchasing power via Medicare and Medicaid. While the government is not a monopsony in the true sense of the word, its influence in constraining prices is contributing to unintended consequences that could limit access to important treatments.