Prescription Drug Shortages: Implications for Public Health and Potential Solutions

Abstract

Prescription drug shortages have reached critical levels in the United States and represent a significant threat to healthcare quality and patient safety. The increase in drug shortages has been attributed to a variety of factors, although some underlying themes prevail, primarily quality problems at manufacturing facilities. Market factors also play a significant role. Sterile generic injectable medications have been disproportionately impacted by drug shortages. This thesis is intended to explore the impacts of drug shortages across a wide range of specialties, care settings, and populations. This work will describe trends in drug shortages over time and the potential implications for patient care and public health. It also addresses current and proposed initiatives to mitigate this public health threat