Takeaway
In the face of drug shortages, clinicians must become proactive resource navigators. By staying informed, collaborating with patients, and exploring alternative solutions, clinicians can help mitigate the negative impact of shortages.
Lifelong Learning in Clinical Excellence | September 17, 2024 | 1 min read
By Carmen Lopez-Arvizu, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine
Imagine you’re driving through a desert and run out of gas. This is the reality for many patients facing drug shortages. For those with neurodevelopmental disorders, these medications are more than just pills; they’re lifelines. They help manage impulse control, focus, and learning. A shortage disrupts this delicate balance, threatening their ability to participate in school, work, and everyday activities.
As frontline clinicians, we can’t control the shortage, but we can control how we support our patients. Here are a few ideas for how approach this problem.
Before the appointment:
Stay informed by checking the FDA Drug Shortages website. This allows you to anticipate potential issues with your patients’ prescriptions.
Turn frustration into a plan:
Acknowledge your patient’s frustration and validate their concerns. Then, work together to problem solve.
Become a resource navigator:
1. Mail-order pharmacies: Can they deliver a 90-day supply to avoid missed doses?
2. Refill strategies: Consider mid-cycle refills to account for potential delays.
3. Small local independent pharmacies: Building relationships can lead to extra effort in finding medication.
4. Emergency plan: Discuss withdrawal symptoms and alternative formulations.
Think outside the box:
Sometimes, preferred drugs become unavailable. Be prepared to handle this by:
1. Prior authorizations: Streamline the process for obtaining less-preferred medications.
2. Financial assistance: Explore patient assistance programs and manufacturer copay offerings.
3. Adaptability: The medication landscape can shift monthly, so be prepared to adjust plans with each visit.
Advocacy is crucial for the future. Learn about the root causes of drug shortages, advocate for change, and encourage patients to do the same. A great resource is the FDA’s report on Drug Shortages: Root Causes and Potential Solutions. Although we can’t control the shortages, we can control how we navigate it, one patient at a time.
This piece expresses the views solely of the author. It does not necessarily represent the views of any organization, including Johns Hopkins Medicine.