The Weekend Brief offers analysis and insights on one big news item of the week, delivered only to Quartz members.
Your local pharmacy’s medicine shelf may be dwindling in supply, and it has been for years. As many as 323 drugs are seeing national shortages according to the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), and the impact is being felt by patients suffering from all different classes of ailments and illnesses.
After a brief head-above-water moment from 2015 to 2017, drug shortages in the U.S. have nearly doubled. The shortages encompass daily ADHD drugs, pain and sedation medication, oxytocin, antibiotics, and chemotherapy drugs.
It all adds a new dimension to many doctors’ itineraries where they must decide whether to prescribe a patient a drug in short supply. This strategic allotment that doctors now take into consideration may help them avoid switching a patient’s medication and the new side effects that could follow.
The Weekend Brief will look at why these shortages are becoming more prevalent, who is responsible, and what measures former President Trump took and the ones President Biden is taking to build back the drug supply.
To receive this issue, join Quartz today with 60% off. Take advantage of this limited-time offer today!