Why Are We Running Out of the Drugs That Put Us Under and Prevent Pain?
- Posted on April 2, 2012 at 9:00pm by
Liz Klimas
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Although cancer drug shortages have gotten a lot of attention lately, an even larger reaching group of drugs is experiencing a shortage that could affect everything from your dentist doing a filling to more major surgical operations, such as cesarian sections.
Reports of anesthetic shortages — the drugs that put you out and/or control pain — have medical institutions nationwide rationing their stocks and finding other drugs to manage the shortage. Still, these methods can come with side effects for patients and can even be uncomfortable for doctors to use due to their unfamiliarity.
President elect of the New York State Society of Anesthesiologists Dr. Michael Simon said that the medications doctors and nurses are used to using everyday and were trained with “are falling into shortages that we don’t see them for weeks or months at a time.”
Shortages have included common drugs like propofol, fentanyl and lidocaine.
Here‘s a report from Albany’s WNYT:
Becker’s Ambulatory Surgical Centers review reports Meena Desai, MD, a managing partner for Nova (Northern Virginia) Anesthesia Professionals, as saying of the nearly 300 drug shortages noted by the Food and Drug Administration, anesthesia and chemotherapy drugs have seen the biggest drop. The Connecticut Post notes that the shortage is so severe that President Barack Obama ordered suppliers to provide a six-month warning if a live-saving drug was going to cease being produced. The consequences of these shortages are serious. Many do not have any comparable substitute and those that do may take longer to perform or could have different, unexpected side effects. Errors when it comes to dosage of alternatives are a risk as well.
What’s do to about the shortage? Desai said she doesn’t recommend medical centers hoard available supplies, however natural it may seem to do so. Desai recommends professionals watch the shortage lists so they can prepare well ahead of time and also understand they may need to offer a higher level of care in place of certain drugs.
Some doctors, like oral surgeon Joshua Leal in Little Rock, Arkansas, is using compound pharmacies, instead of drug companies, to meet his needs, according to KTHV:
“When those drugs are not available, it completely alters the way we deliver our anesthetic technique to patients and the way that we deliver our procedure or deliver or treatment to the patient.”
[...]
“Over the past 6 months literally we’ve had to have compounded at least half of our normal regimen of anesthetic drugs, so that’s where not only oral surgeons, but other physicians who administer anesthetics in their office are turning.”
Compounding pharmacies purchase chemicals in bulk and formulate prescriptions on-site.
[...]
“I would have never even considered using a compounding pharmacy previous to this drug shortage and now essentially everyone I know is using compounding pharmacies to make their anesthetic drugs.”
This practice means there is more room for error as the drugs need to be made into usable doses. Watch the report:
ABC News reports that shortages of these drugs have postponed surgeries and have some calling for a government investigation into the decline of availability.
This story has been updated to correct a misspelling of a drug name.
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Comments (93)
TheObamanation
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 10:54pmThank God for Ronald Reagan and his appointment Justice Kennedy … buh bye Obamacare.
Report Post »pauler1960
Posted on April 3, 2012 at 10:29amToo bad he also gave us Ruth Bader Ginsberg.
Report Post »Ruler4You
Posted on April 3, 2012 at 11:58amOkay, there‘s a ’shortage’, why?
This seems like an “opportunity” for a ambitious entrepreneur with connections in this area. IMHBLO.
Report Post »cantstandlibs
Posted on April 4, 2012 at 5:56pmClinton gave us Ginsberg, not Reagan.
Report Post »Azalea
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 10:53pmIsn’t it strange that these shortages just happen to “coincide” with Obama’s administration? Is this the precursor to Obamacare? What better way to get rid of the elderly, and infirm? Limit drugs, people die. Limit drugs, rationing begins.
Rationing doctors is one thing; rationing drugs is another.
Report Post »RosePurple
Posted on April 3, 2012 at 4:51amAzalea?!
Report Post »My thoughts exactly!!!!
NOTAMUSHROOM
Posted on April 3, 2012 at 10:10amExactly. In 20 years of practice I’ve never seen shortages like this. It’s the government that is harassing the drug manufacturing facilities and creating the crisis.
Anyone surprised?
Report Post »American Capitalist
Posted on April 3, 2012 at 10:50amMushroom – That goes for me too. In practice 15 years and I have never had shortages until the last 2 or 3 years. The FDA certainly has a huge part to play in this mess… but who do they answer too??
Report Post »The government wants everyone dependent on them, and coming to ask them for everything.
PurrrpleMtnMajesty
Posted on April 3, 2012 at 12:27pmAzalea,
I too believe it serves its purpose….less doctors, longer wait times, more patients seen by each doctor = less personalized/specified care for those that are outside the 80% or whatever % of treatment that works for their particular malady.Now when the issue causes severe pain, those who are sickly, elderly, etc will react strongly to that pain by elevated blood pressure, higher blood sugar levels and of course faster pulse rate.. This produces further symptoms and can aggravate existing or hidden conditions resulting in heart attack/stroke for example. Wow…the pickins is going to be pretty easy if we’re subjected to this.
Of course knowing an operation may hurt and hurt badly for some time without proper pain meds
or that if you ARE in pain, there‘s little help for you at the doctors’ offices-you will not go until symptoms are so bad you can’t stand it. People today are afraid of the pain WITH pain meds….without – well, it’s highly unlikely dentists will be drilling teeth but instead pulling them -for example, esp. since the plan will most likely only cover the minor, routine services. And who will even realize the LINK it to the pain killers being the culprit?
Our prez is pronouncing capitalism doesn’t work? Well, has he seriously looked at the history of socalism?
Report Post »it never ends well – except for those who are “more equal” than others of course.
mkw22
Posted on April 3, 2012 at 1:47pmyeah, this is scary. Don‘t think it’s coincidental…
Report Post »Jesus Christ was a Proud Liberal
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 10:49pmContinued —
– have to worry about having their families go bankrupt because someone in their family came down with leukemia, or breast cancer, or (insert expensive disease here)? Also, why should these middle-class families have to decide between going into serious debt and potential bankruptcy or having a family member die of some disease that is expensive to treat and/or cure?
Why should wealthy people only have the capability for top-notch medical services when all humans run the risk of illness??? People – Insurance companies – should NOT profit from peoples cancer, or HIV-AIDS, or (insert terrible expensive disease here)!!!!!!
Report Post »SoupSammich
Posted on April 3, 2012 at 10:09amMy car insurance ****** me off. I called yours and added my 2 suv’s, 1 atv, boat/trailer, and motorcycle. Seems pretty fair to me. Thanks troll.
Report Post »Farmer John
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 10:20pmDrug makers make drugs for money. When patents expire and there’s no money in it, they move on to another more profitable drug.
Report Post »AMERICA4EVER
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 10:32pmMore and more people need pain killers for pain at the pump, pain caused by this administration, pain from the DOJ…and on and on.
Report Post »lukerw
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 10:37pmFDA & EPA… shut down Production Lines… for minor causes… which resulted in plants that make many drugs to Suspend Activity — It was on GB TV!
Report Post »welovetheUSA
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 10:20pmAll part of a Obama plan………….
Report Post »fabercastell
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 10:14pmWell what is the situation in Canada? Is this worldwide or just within the USA? There is not a lot of answers but more questions to this story. This shouldn’t even be news. If it is an emergency, the government would just step right in as it does with everything. You get more security in airports when something happens right? So what is the problem here. Many unanswered questions if you ask me.
Report Post »Stoic one
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 10:30pmI am willing to bet the shortages are due to already interfering government regulatory processes.
Report Post »paulnashtn
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 10:49pmActually the answer is simple, the radical czars in the EPA and the FDA ….. Thank you President Obama
Report Post »muhamed
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 11:19pmThat‘s what I’m wondering. This story leaves more questions than answers. Like the glaring question…WHY IS THIS OCCURING? WHO IS BEHIND IT? Pretty shotty reporting if you ask me.
Report Post »asybot12
Posted on April 3, 2012 at 2:31amNo problem up here, just like some one said your country is being “Salinskied’, over regulated and therefore totally unproductive. Many people have seen this coming for a few years and “hardened” themselves as in getting the he!! out. You can’t even let your kids collect eggs in the morning as part of daily chores I am laughing (although sadly0 when I read the demise of your country.
Report Post »SweetDoug
Posted on April 3, 2012 at 10:14amExactly!
Up in Canada, we’re hearing stories of shortages, but nothing apparent.
I’d like to know WHY there are shortages. Did we just suddenly stop making them? Why?
What happened in the last couple of years?
Demand? Or did somebody, or something, get into these companies and start controlling them and reducing inventory? Yeah… I’ve got to think like that.
•∆•
Report Post »V-V
sawbuck
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 10:09pmWell I got to tell you..
I watched the movie “AWAKE”
not to long ago and if that’s not a scary scenario
Nothing is .
Being put under just enough to be OUT during a surgery…
But AWAKE enough to feel everything they do to you.
I of the opinion…That a shortage of these Drugs that
Report Post »Are used for this “exact purpose” by Anesthesia Community .
Could turn… Fictional-Movie into a.. Night-Mare-Reality
Jenny Lind
Posted on April 3, 2012 at 9:12amMy sister experienced surgury where she was paralyzed, but could feel everything. It was an apendectomy, but it was realy traumatic. Her attitude was what impressed me-she did not sue, but had a long talk with administration to make sure it didn’t happen again. She was given a profuse apology. I can’t even imagine having more problems like hers, trying to get around drug shortages. I really believe something smells, big time. I think it’s all being manipulated by that gang of Obama”s.
Report Post »lassiegirldawn
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 10:09pmWe have a shortage because everyone in Hollywood and entertainment industry have them, that is where the drugs make big money.
Report Post »Baikonur
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 10:02pmBecause the Rush monster is abusing again?
Report Post »SoupSammich
Posted on April 3, 2012 at 10:12amMikey J and Whitney, and anyone in Biden’s orbit. Come on Baconhour, get with the times.
Report Post »rot_soldier
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 9:54pmHoly crap, my wife just figured it out. It’s because the rich, elitist or the government are stockpiling it before the collapse!
Report Post »RamonPreston
Posted on April 3, 2012 at 4:24pmRight on!!!
Report Post »tylertxsteve
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 9:50pmLawyers and Lawsuits…look at your phone book and TV adds…when you have adds in Tyler,Tx for law firm in Baltimore, MD.. the lights should come on.
Report Post »Gold Coin & Economic News
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 9:48pmWhy Are We Running Out of the Drugs That Put Us Under and Prevent Pain?
Because Barack Obama is President?
Report Post »JR1984
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 10:15pmA blinding flash of the obvious.
Report Post »Common.Cents
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 10:53pmWe can’t do what everyone else did to George Bush… I dont think it is Obama’s fault, it is the fault of capitalism slightly.
Report Post »rot_soldier
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 9:47pmOkay, here’s an obvious question that this story does not ask or answer. Why is there a shortage? It goes on about what will happen due to the shortage or how to deal with it, but that’s the result of the shortage, not the cause. Go after the cause and you’ll resolve the shortage.
Report Post »rot_soldier
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 9:51pmGo here and you’ll learn more, but it still doesn’t answer the real question. Manufacturer delays is still not an answer
Report Post »rot_soldier
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 9:53pmhttp://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/DrugShortages/ucm050792.htm
Report Post »Duddio
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 10:23pmThank you!!! Why is there this assumptive narrative that everyone should know the reason for the shortages? Are the Blaze reporters not curious or inquisitive at all? Is there a way to make up for the shortages? Could an enterprising startup fill the need for financial gain? Is government regulation to blame?
hello?
I hate reading a story that leaves more questions than it gives answers.
Report Post »Dougral Supports Israel
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 9:43pmIts much more than likely that this has something to do with government regulation. This is the only time in my life I have heard of this and the King Regulator is president. Go figure.
Report Post »HorseCrazy
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 9:50pmit happened to me under the bush admin for my pain drugs. I was on a waiting list and given morphine and other drugs instead. it sent me to the hospital sick as a dog from the new drugs I was apparently allergic to. its been happening and it seems to always happen when a drugs patent expires and it isnt the big money maker for them anymore. cannot say that as fact but observation.
Report Post »chazmo
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 10:24pm@Crazyhorse.. Not fact.. I had 4 surgeries during the Bush Admin.. No problems getting any drug I needed.. Pain Pumps, Morph, Hydrocordone… all a plenty.. :) Now, i’m worried… about to have surgery on my wrist.. ugh..
Report Post »HorseCrazy
Posted on April 3, 2012 at 12:30amit happened to me. in my state we had a gigantic shortage of pain medication. http://www.fdalawblog.net/fda_law_blog_hyman_phelps/2009/02/scattered-oxycodone-shortages-reported.html
Report Post »HorseCrazy
Posted on April 3, 2012 at 12:33amhave fun with your next surgery! geez get better!
Report Post »abbygirl1994
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 9:40pmSo it says shortages.. but it doesn’t really say WHY! Why are their shortages?? Well I always knew the medical society pretty much sucked.. that they double dip, the over charge.. and now shortages of drugs?? WHY???????? Is it the infamous stupid arse Obamacare! Good lord when will America wake up to this evil man and his evil merry men?? Lord help us!
Report Post »db321
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 9:49pmI guess it is going to be easier as I thought for Obama and Bill Ayers to eliminate 18 Million American.
The first ones to get eliminated are the ones that sold their souls by voting for Obama. That’s right the useful idiots – No Socialist Country on the face of the earth takes care of people who can work but won’t.
They drank Obama tea and they created their own demise!
Report Post »CatB
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 9:54pmYes .. premiums are on the rise (I got ANOTHER rate increase last month on the two year anniversary .. for over $50 per month !) but don’t get hurt or sick .. because you may be lying there in pain and no one can help you. OBAMACARE SUCKS!
Report Post »CatB
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 10:01pmThat is JUST the increase . over $50 .. add that with Obama gas and Obama food prices … we are screwed.
Report Post »sb36695
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 9:39pm“calling for a government investigation into the decline of availability”
Report Post »Is that like the fox watching the hen house?
Slayer
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 9:37pmI have relatives who work at hospitals and can attest that this story is real. There is something going on as a lot of drugs are suddenly becoming scarce.
Report Post »Salamander
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 10:26pmHmmmm, when $$$ become too plentiful (play money), then products become scarce (nobody wants $$$ for them), so they are sold for better money, elsewhere! Too bad, so sad, economic reality!
Report Post »deeberj
Posted on April 4, 2012 at 3:31pmIt’s easy enough to buy these pain meds on the streets….
Report Post »babylonvi
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 9:36pmFDA or EPA or HHS Take your pick
Report Post »CatB
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 10:02pmObamacare death panels
Report Post »Salamander
Posted on April 3, 2012 at 12:11amJust like everything else! Shut down the manufacturers, increase the liabilities for those remaining and, presto–shortages! (Take note of all the coal plants being shuttered, all the refineries being shuttered, etc.) What I don’t get is Dummy Obama whining about refining profits, when the largest ‘cost’ component of a gasoline purchase is taxes! Obama should consider himself lucky that a refiner is willing to make 8-cents for every ga;;pm while taxes make 50-cents! Do the math (numbers approximate, but you get the idea!). Oh, yes, he went to Harvard-not M.I.T.!
Report Post »yanki161
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 9:33pmI’m still left with the question “why?”
Report Post »Mikev5
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 9:29pmI say look to Big brother he screws everything up look at the flu vaccine problem when they took over talk about Idiots when the Government takes over thing look out we are screwed.
Report Post »Psychosis
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 9:27pmand the morons on the left think the government will do a better job ????
how dumb do you have to be to come to that conclusion ??????
Report Post »blanco5
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 9:23pmI can’t help but think this is part of that whole “make America suffer” campaign from prez islama.
Report Post »Slayer
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 9:38pmInteresting that you call him President Islama. Because here is an article that discusses why Michelle Obama comes home when Barack goes to the Middle East.
http://conservativepoliticalforum.com/political-discussion-and-debate/why-michelle-returns-home-when-hussein-travels-to-arab-countries/
Report Post »inblack
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 9:22pmCompanies forecast drug demand and produce accordingly.
If there is a shortage it is because of a sudden unforeseen demand or govt is screwing up the free market.
I’m going to have to guess the second one.
Report Post »blackyb
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 9:14pmWell, probably all the drugs are in the White House for partying.
Report Post »RamonPreston
Posted on April 3, 2012 at 4:29pmNo, they take them before congress covenes.
Report Post »HorseCrazy
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 9:07pm3 years ago there was a massive shortage of the pain medication I have been taking for 25 years and 1 of my other meds. I was placed on a waiting list and slapped with a fetanyl patch. these shortages have to stop. you want to sell drugs in our country? then don’t short the hospitals ever. big pharma gets a free ride in this country and it is unacceptable to not require notice. it is also extremely foolish for hospitals to wait until there is a problem before making a stink about it. they need to keep a year supply at all times. anyone prepping for the future make sure you have a year supply of your meds stored.
Report Post »Justthefactsmam
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 9:23pmYou might want to ask your regime why they are setting rules and regulations, shutting down factories that produce these meds…
Report Post »HorseCrazy
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 9:55pmjustthefacts I do believe the shortages have to do with the expiring patents on the drugs when they are not as profitable. my experience I believe had to do with the federal government suing the makers of oxycontin for drug addicts abusing them. they just quit manufacturing them including oxycodone norco hyrdocodone etc due to impending lawsuits. With the other drugs I have noticed though that when thy are able to be made as generics, then they are no longer big money and become a low priority. after that heparin death outbreak from chinese manufactured drugs I am all for regulating this industry. I wish we would make it cheaper for them to make them in the united states instead of all over the world.
Report Post »blackyb
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 11:02pmWell, look what we got leading the country? Bill Maher also could have sucked them all up his nose, too for that matter.
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