APHON Pediatric Chemotherapy-Biotherapy Renewal

Drug Shortages Mary E. Newman, MSN RN NE-BC CPON ©

Learner Outcomes Upon completion of this Pediatric Chemotherapy and Biotherapy Provider Program learning activity 1. the learner will be able to identify the root causes of drug shortages in the United States 2. the learner will be able to describe the impact of drug shortages in pediatric oncology and the ethical considerations related to them 3. the learner will be able to list available resources with the most up-to-date information on current drug shortages in the United States 4. the learner will be able to summarize the positions and recommendations of the Association of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses on drug shortages in pediatric hematology and oncology.

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The APHON Position Paper on Drug Shortages (Bunnell et al., 2020) opens with this statement: The Association of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses (APHON) affirms that all children have a right to the highest standard of physical and mental health and the right to treatment that maximizes their survival and well-being. Shortages of essential drugs compromise the health and well-being of all children, especially those diagnosed with cancer and blood disorders, who are among the most vulnerable members of society and require added protection. Background Shortages of medications and other essential healthcare resources have a long-standing history. One of the first drugs to be involved in a large-scale shortage was insulin in the 1920s, followed by penicillin in the 1940s. Both drug shortages were attributed to the manufacturers’ inability to produce an adequate supply. At that time, decisions about prioritizing allocations were arbitrary; they were influenced by politics and emotions and were made without public comment. Since 2001, the number of drug shortages in the United States has risen, and over the past decade, shortages of drugs, including chemotherapy drugs and those used in supportive care treatments, have become more common and are lasting longer. The American Society of Health- System Pharmacists (2021) has reported between 174 and 282 active drug shortages each quarter since 2015.