Congressman John Carney’s fight against prescription drug shortages

Congressman John Carney will join doctors and other leaders in Delaware’s fight against cancer at Christiana Care’s Helen F. Graham Cancer Center in Newark today.

The Democratic Congressman is expected to announce legislation he’s introducing that addresses prescription drug shortages.

“Drug shortages put patients’ health at risk at times when they need help the most,” said Congressman Carney.  “The Drug Shortage Prevention Act brings more efficiency to each step of the manufacturing and distribution processes and helps the FDA, pharmaceutical companies, doctors, and patients work together to prevent drug shortages and ensure that Americans facing urgent health care needs get the care they deserve.”

According to Carney’s office, the number of drug shortages in the United States has quadrupled since 2005. And in 2011, there were more than 230 reported drug shortages, with oncology drugs, anesthetics, and nutrition medicines overwhelmingly affected by the shortages. The Drug Shortage Prevention Act, co-sponsored by Congressman Larry Bucshon (R-IN), mandates expedited review of drugs vulnerable to shortage in order to prevent shortages in the first place. The bill also requires streamlined communications between FDA, manufacturers, distributors, providers, and patients to ensure that all parties have the information they need to act proactively – instead of reactively – to prevent shortages from occurring.