Can A Compound Pharmacy Help During A Shortage?

In an ideal pharmaceutical landscape, drug shortages would not occur. Robust supply chains would ensure manufacturers consistently maintain adequate inventory to fulfill all prescriptions. However, disruptions are possible. Fully formulated medications may become unavailable due to various factors, such as raw ingredient scarcities, product recalls, or surges in consumer demand. A primary example occurred when semaglutide expanded from a diabetes treatment to an approved weight-loss medication. Significant public interest in the drug’s weight-loss efficacy increased demand, constraining the available supply for diabetic patients. During such instances, pharmacists play a vital role in securing critical medications for affected patients.

1. Compounding meds on-demand

Most people think of pharmaceutical compounding as a specialty service specifically for niche patients. Typically, the service is reserved for reformulating medications, removing allergens, or combining multiple scripts into a single dosage to reduce the total number of individual pills or solutions a person has to take. Yet, people often forget that compounding is only possible if a pharmacy has the necessary raw ingredients for a medication. As a result, if a drug shortage occurs, a compounding pharmacy can be a smart solution. Making medications on demand can fill the gap until the primary manufacturer increases production and meets supply needs.

2. Shifting to a substitute

Another smart solution a pharmacist can offer is to shift a patient to an alternative or substitute medication, even if just temporarily. While this option isn’t available for every medication, the quick fix can help people increase access to necessary scripts. Common examples include shifting to a generic or even an alternate drug that can also be used to treat the same conditions even if not the primary use case. However, switching to a substitute medication won’t usually be performed without a pharmacist first consulting with the primary care physician.

3. Checking the network

Especially for chain pharmacies, when a medication isn’t available at one location, the pharmacist can check with other stores within the network to secure a prescription. In most cases, checking with other stores will be the first step to ensure that a patient has the exact medication and dosage needed to fulfill the prescription. Even independent pharmacies can connect with other providers to find medications when necessary items are out of stock or systemwide shortages exist.

Additional solutions to consider

While the previous 3 options are the most likely methods a pharmacist will use to fulfill medication needs during a shortage, other solutions may also be used. Under physician approval, some patients may have dosages altered to accommodate a shortage. Similarly, in more severe cases, customers may be prioritized with pheople that have more severe forms of a condition receiving available medications first. While not ideal, the goal is to minimize the risk of sending more vulnerable populations to hospitals due to adverse effects and the burden on healthcare systems.

What patients can do

If drug shortages or limited availability concerns are present, patients can also take a proactive approach. Switching to an independent pharmacy, shifting to a larger supply refill schedule, filling scripts by mail, and even asking for alternatives if possible are all smart steps that can help people avoid running out of vital medications. When in doubt, talk with a local pharmacist or healthcare provider to understand all available options.