President Obama is expected to sign an executive order today instructing the FDA to act on increasing drug shortages, a USA Today report said.
Last year, 178 drug shortages were reported, and there has been an increase this year, the report said. In Alabama, nine deaths and 10 other incidents were linked to the use of hand-mixed batches of liquid nutrition because the pre-mixed liquid wasn't available.
President Obama is also expected to announce his support for legislation that would require drug makers to notify the FDA six months ahead of a potential shortage, the report said. Currently, shortage notification is voluntary. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and FDA Commissioner Peggy Hamburg are expected to join President Obama when he signs the order.
Related Articles on Drug Shortages:
FDA Says Shortage Ends for Cancer Drug Cytarabine
Drug Shortages Increasingly Take Toll on Care
Federal Government Scrutinizes Drug Shortages With ASA Backing
Last year, 178 drug shortages were reported, and there has been an increase this year, the report said. In Alabama, nine deaths and 10 other incidents were linked to the use of hand-mixed batches of liquid nutrition because the pre-mixed liquid wasn't available.
President Obama is also expected to announce his support for legislation that would require drug makers to notify the FDA six months ahead of a potential shortage, the report said. Currently, shortage notification is voluntary. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and FDA Commissioner Peggy Hamburg are expected to join President Obama when he signs the order.
Related Articles on Drug Shortages:
FDA Says Shortage Ends for Cancer Drug Cytarabine
Drug Shortages Increasingly Take Toll on Care
Federal Government Scrutinizes Drug Shortages With ASA Backing