7 Commonly Prescribed Drugs In Shortage

Drug shortages have always been an important issue in the world of pharmacy. The shortages can include medication prescribed in both outpatient and hospital settings.

It is important to know why drug shortages exist and be mindful of whether your medications are affected by a shortage.

Major Reasons for Drug Shortages

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In 2019, the US Food and Drug Administration has published a report identifying three major root causes to the problem of drug shortages:

Lack of incentives for less profitable drugs:

This is often the case with older prescription drugs, where quite a few options have already existed on the market competing with lower prices. As there is limited potential for profit, manufacturers may elect to divert their investment to produce other drugs.

Variable quality management systems:

Currently, the drug payment model does not take into account the quality management system a manufacturer may employ. Thus, there is little incentive for manufacturers to invest in having a strong system of quality assurance checkpoints. A quality problem discovered later on then can quickly lead to supply disruption.

Logistical and regulatory challenges:

As an incentive to keep cost down, drug production is increasingly moved overseas. This adds complexity to an already complicated supply chain process and increases the window of error.

Drug Shortages During COVID-19

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As COVID-19 pandemic continues, there have been additional factors adding stress to the drug supply chain process. Stockpiling medications, especially with 90-day supply prescriptions, may create an unexpected excessive demand that exhausts the current supply chain output. The closure of manufacturing facilities within the US and overseas also posed a problem for the drug production process.

Additionally, increases in hospitalization also lead to shortages of drugs commonly used in the hospital setting.

List of Current Shortages of Commonly Prescribed Drugs

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Based on the list of current drug shortages published by the FDA, some of the most commonly prescribed drugs in the outpatient setting that are facing drug supply issues include:

1\. Epinephrine Injection Auto-Injector (generic for EpiPen): commonly prescribed for anaphylaxis.

It helps relieve the anaphylactic reaction by reducing wheezing and shortness of breath, while also preventing or reversing low blood pressure and shock.

2\. Azithromycin Tablet (generic for Zithromax): commonly prescribed for bacterial infections.

This antibiotic interferes with the protein synthesis of a wide range of bacteria, including those most commonly responsible for respiratory infections, skin infection, and sexually transmitted diseases.

3\. Famotidine Tablet (generic for Pepcid): commonly prescribed for heartburn.

Following Ranitidine (generic for Zantac) recall, many prescribers have switched patients to this alternative that is in the same drug class, Histamine-2 receptor antagonist. Famotidine works to reduce the secretion of gastric juices, thereby reducing the occurrence of heartburn or acid reflux.

4\. Fluvoxamine ER Capsule (generic for Luvox CR): commonly prescribed for depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and anxiety.

This selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) works to regulate the imbalanced concentrations of neurotransmitters in the brain by increasing the level of serotonin.

5\. Pindolol Tablet (generic for Visken): commonly prescribed for high blood pressure and chronic chest pain.

Similar to other beta-blockers, pindolol blocks the effect of certain neurotransmitters, including epinephrine and norepinephrine, on the heart. This results in a reduced heart rate and lowered blood pressure.

6\. Tacrolimus Capsule (generic for Prograf): commonly prescribed for organ transplant recipients and some autoimmune diseases.

Although the exact method of how tacrolimus is still unknown, the medication helps suppress the body’s immune system. Thus, it is an important mainstay regimen in many organ transplant patients.

7\. Alogliptin Tablet (generic for Nesina): commonly prescribed for type 2 diabetes.

Alogliptin works to help control the blood sugar level in several ways. It slows down gastric emptying, which would help patients to eat less. Additionally, it would also boost the amount of insulin secreted by the body, thereby reducing the blood sugar level.

[1]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/epinephrine/coupons

[2]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/azithromycin/coupons

[3]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/famotidine/coupons

[4]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/fluvoxamine-maleate/coupons

[5]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/pindolol/coupons

[6]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/tacrolimus/coupons

[7]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/alogliptin/coupons

If you are currently taking any of the drugs listed by the FDA as currently facing a shortage, it is important to check with your local pharmacist on the status of the drug supply.

As each pharmacy may use a different drug distributor, a drug on backorder at one pharmacy may be available at a different pharmacy. You should check with other pharmacies in the local area if your pharmacy does not have your medication in stock. If the medication is available at another pharmacy, RxSaver™ can help you find the best savings for your medication at pharmacies closest to you.

As always, it is important to take your medication regularly as prescribed by your provider. If a drug shortage is an issue at large, let your prescriber know immediately, so an alternative medication can be prescribed in a timely manner.

*Average pricing based on the following dosages:

Epinephrine: 0.3mg/0.3 / 1 auto injct Azithromycin: 250 mg / 6 tablets Famotidine: 20 mg / 30 tablets Fluvoxamine ER : 100 mg / 30 tablet Pindolol: 5 mg / 30 tablets Tacrolimus: 1 mg / 30 capsules Alogliptin: 25 mg / 30 tablets

Pricing averaged at the following pharmacies: CVS Pharmacy, Walgreens Pharmacy, Walmart Pharmacy, Costco Pharmacy on 1/21/2021. Visit RxSaver.com to find your coupon prices in your area.