SAN ANTONIO — Right now, many South Texans are unable to get their medications due to an ongoing drug shortage. ADHD medications are now in very short supply, with many pharmacies finding themselves out of the drugs patients desperately need.
The FDA says drug shortages can occur for many reasons, including manufacturing and quality problems; delays; discontinuations; and supply chain problems.
The supply chain in particular is a big part of the problem right now.
"There have been instances of maybe not having the raw materials needed to make the medications, and perhaps regulatory issues," said Jennifer Rodriguez, executive director of pharmacy for University Health.
The American Society of Health System Pharmacists studied the latest quarterly drug shortage statistics from the University of Utah Drug Information Service countrywide. Most respondents said drug shortages added between 5% and 20% to their budgets.
And 87 percent of respondents who were involved in purchasing decisions said the quality of their medications was very important.
"This shortage began really in the fall of 2022," Rodriguez said. "The manufacturers do have a certain amount of drugs that they can produce per year. In that year, they did not produce the full amount that the DEA allows them to create. That really began the snowball of drug shortages for the ADHD medications."
The FDA says if you run into a shortage, it may be due to a temporary, localized supply issue. They recommend checking multiple stores or pharmacies to see if they have your medication in stock. Pharmacies will often call around for you on your behalf.
Federal regulators also recommend talking to your health care provider or pharmacist about alternatives.
"(Talk to them) when you are due to have your medication filled so that they can see what is available and what alternatives are available," Rodriguez added.
Regarding the Adderall shortage, the FDA told us that "although there are some manufactures having supply issues, there are currently nine manufacturers with availability, one allocating supply to existing customers, and that there will be additional supply returning in the coming months."
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