Thankful Winter December

As of 2020, that number even skyrocketed due to the Covid-19 pandemic which caused a surge in demand for certain medications and triggered workforce and supply chain problems while further limiting the supply of others. The causes of these shortages are varied and complex but can be summarized into three main categories: production problems, increased demand, and market consolidation. Let’s take a closer look at each of these causes. Production Problems One of the most common reasons for prescription drug shortages is due to production problems. These can include quality issues at manufacturing facilities, delays in FDA approval of new facilities or products, or unexpected increases in demand for a particular drug or ingredient.5 Puerto Rico is a case in point. The island is home to many pharmaceutical manufacturing plants. Its factories make 13 of the world’s top-selling brand-name drugs, from Humira to Xarelto. When the Hurricane Maria hit in 2017, it caused widespread damage that led to production delays and disruptions. As a result, there was an acute shortage of saline solution which put patients’ lives at risk. Since the pandemic, there have been a series of drug shortages that have made it difficult for both health systems and hospital pharmacies to keep up. This added stress on both sides - but especially those who need treatment most.