Citing an alarming increase in the number of drugs that go off the market suddenly, or see dramatic increases in price, Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is calling for warnings on drug production changes.
Schumer was at Hematology-Oncology Associates in East Syracuse Monday afternoon, flanked by doctors in the largest private cancer-fighting practice in Central New York. They pointed out that it's not only cancer fighting drugs (like Decadron, which fights brain swelling during treatment) but also cardiac medicines and even antibiotics that can suddenly become scarce. Even Heparin, a commonly used blood thinner, is on the list.
Schumer says its because of increasing changes in the pharmacological business: drug makers are moving to more expensive/profitable drugs to manufacture, even though many use the less expensive/profitable generics. But, sudden shortages leave healthcare providers scrambling and 'gray market' third party sellers are jacking up prices for what's available.
Schumer says he'll back a bill requiring 'early warnings' from drug companies when they change manufacturing schedules or decrease supply. He also wants the FDA to be able to negotiate manufacture of a discontinued drug with another company.
He would also like the Federal Trade Commission to investigate some of the pricing practices.
We asked if animal-targeted drugs would be included, and the senator agreed they should be: recently we reported a shortage of heartworm treating medication for dogs.
