Almost All Independent U.S. Pharmacies Facing Drug Shortages, Survey Says
A recent study found that 97% of independent pharmacy owners and managers are dealing with a drug shortage. 87% of respondents said they are experiencing a shortage of Adderall or other generic drugs, while 96% are experiencing shortages or backorders of GLP-1 products. Two-thirds of responders are struggling to fill open staff positions, with the most urgent need being pharmacy technicians. To address staff shortages, 64.1% of pharmacies are attempting to increase wages and 56% are offering more flexible hours.
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FAQ
FAQ: Almost All Independent U.S. Pharmacies Facing Drug Shortages, Survey Says
Who conducted the survey on drug shortages, and where can I find more information?
The article references a survey but does not specify who conducted it. For more detailed information, individuals can visit the SupplyChainBrain website, and possibly also find relevant survey details through the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) and other related organizations.
What can patients do if their medication is affected by these shortages?
Patients impacted by medication shortages should speak with their pharmacists or healthcare providers for alternatives or substitutions. They may also need to contact their insurance companies to ensure coverage for any alternate medications prescribed.
Is there any information on how long the drug shortages are expected to last?
No specific timeframe regarding the duration of the drug shortages is provided in the survey mentioned by SupplyChainBrain. Drug shortage durations can vary based on the cause and resolution efforts by industry and government entities.
Are these shortages impacting both prescription and over-the-counter medications?
The SupplyChainBrain article does not distinguish between prescription and over-the-counter medications. Generally, drug shortages can affect both categories, but prescription medications are often more prominently reported.
How are pharmacies managing the drug shortages?
Strategies for managing drug shortages vary, but can include working with alternate suppliers, placing limits on the quantity of medication dispensed, and seeking substitute medications that serve the same purpose. More detailed management techniques, though not necessarily from the cited survey, are explored in various academic and industry surveys.
What has caused these drug shortages?
The survey does not detail specific causes for the shortages, but factors typically include manufacturing disruptions, supply chain issues, regulatory problems, and unexpected increases in demand, among others.
What types of pharmacies are affected by the drug shortages?
The drug shortages are predominantly affecting independent pharmacies. These are usually smaller, non-chain pharmacies that serve local communities.
What is the current situation with drug shortages in the U.S.?
Almost all independent pharmacies in the United States are experiencing drug shortages. According to a recent survey cited by SupplyChainBrain, these shortages are widespread among such pharmacies.
Please note that while generating these FAQs, specific details from the SupplyChainBrain survey are not available as they were not fully provided in the search results. For the most accurate and detailed information regarding the survey on drug shortages, please refer to the original article on the SupplyChainBrain website.