FDA Says Manufacturers to Blame for Shortage of Vital Drugs

The US Food and Drug Administration has laid the blame for the worsening shortage of vital drugs in the country squarely at the feet of drug manufacturers. The FDA said that the medical services in the country are facing its worst drug shortage and added that the shortage will be worsening in the near future. The health agency blamed the drug manufacturers who stopped to manufacture drugs once their patents expire since they are less profitable.

Last year saw shortages of over 178 drugs in the country and this year the number is expected to be bigger, FDA’s Valerie Jensen said. Jensen said that the agency was concerned over the shortage of injectable drugs which are used for treating oncology patients or in surgeries.

“Companies have told us that these injectable drugs are older drugs and not as profitable. They’ve told us it’s a business decision to discontinue production”, Jensen said.


Source-Medindia