FDA Works to Lessen Drug Shortage Impact

SILVER SPRING, Md., June 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Last year, the number of drug shortages reached a record high, and medicine scarcities have continued at a rapid pace in 2011. The shortages have hit patients in the hospital particularly hard because they include cancer drugs, anesthetics used in surgery, and "sterile injectables"—medicines given by injection or intravenously. But there have also been shortages of medicines that Americans take by mouth each day.

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In response to the drug shortages, the Food and Drug Administration is doing what it can to prevent and lessen the severity of the shortages, so patients can continue to receive the medicines they need.

To find out what to do if your medicine is in short supply, visit: http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm258152.htm

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CONTACT:  Jordana O'Grady, +1-301-796-5345

SOURCE U.S. Food and Drug Administration