The global healthcare system faces a significant challenge with 323 medication shortages in 2024, affecting over 500,000 patients.

Medication shortages have been a persistent issue since 2001, especially for sterile injectable generics.

The shortages have affected various medications, including 32 chemotherapy drugs.

Manufacturing and quality problems are the primary causes of most drug shortages, with supply chain gaps and downtime also contributing.

Lack of transparency hinders the response to drug shortages.

France reported 4,925 drug shortages in 2023, affecting 44% of the population.

The European Commission has announced measures to reform the pharmaceutical industry, including shortening drug evaluation times from 210 to 180 days to address shortages.

In the US, 323 drugs, including Ozempic and Mounjaro, faced shortages in early 2024, mainly due to fragmented supply chains.

The White House has proposed $3.26-5.11 billion to address drug shortages and the FDA needs more power.

To prepare for potential shortages, keep a list of medications, including patient details and dosage information, and update it regularly.

Having a two-week supply of prescription drugs and a disaster supply kit with essentials for emergencies is also recommended.

A family communication plan should include an emergency contact and a list of prescription medicines.

Creating a care plan with daily routines and medication schedules is essential for managing medication shortages and ensuring continuity of care for a parent.

Understanding specific care needs with healthcare professionals is crucial in managing medication shortages.

Prescription drug shortages are often linked to manufacturing problems, and low drug supplies can lead to a 16.6 percent price increase.

Alternative drugs can be at least three times more expensive, burdening patients and caregivers.

Checking the national drug shortage list can help find alternative medications, and refilling prescriptions early can help avoid shortages.

The global healthcare system faces a significant challenge with 323 medication shortages in 2024, affecting over 500,000 patients.

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Content: General Supervision
Elham Aboul Fath
Editor-in-Chief
Thank you for your patience.
General Supervision
Elham Aboul Fath
Editor-in-Chief
Thank you for your patience.
An Unexpected Catastrophe in the World ’ s Largest Country: The Complete Story of U.S. Drug Shortages
The deficit is at a record level.
According to data from the American Society of Health System Pharmacists and the University of Utah Drug Information Service, organizations began tracking drug shortages for the first time in 2001. Steady since 2021 – now reaching a record high of 323 drugs in the first three months of 2024.
Paul Abramowitz, CEO of the American Society of Health System Pharmacists, wrote in a blog post on Thursday: “It ’ s been a long time to end drug shortages, ” and wrote:“ All drug classes are vulnerable to shortages, some of the most worrisome shortages include sterile injectable generic drugs, including cancer chemotherapy drugs and emergency drugs stored in hospital vans and procedural areas. It is dangerous for doctors and patients. ”
In addition to the 32 chemotherapy drugs that are deficient, the five categories of drugs with the greatest deficiency include central nervous system stimulants, antimicrobials, hormonal agents, and intravenous fluids. [1] The Drug Deficiency Database maintained by the American Society of Health System Pharmacists and the University of Utah is based on voluntary reports from practitioners, patients, and others that have been confirmed by manufacturers. The U.S. drug is in short supply, because it captures broader effects on service providers and patients.
The crisis has lasted a year and a half.
More than half of the treatment shortages have lasted for more than two years, according to an analysis by health consultancy IQVIA, and the average shortage affects at least half a million patients, many of them elderly, according to the US Office of Health and Human Services under the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, which shared its analysis with Congress in May.
Growing demand can play a role in drug shortages, as with the recent shortage of weight-loss drugs, but often manufacturing and quality problems, such as supply chain gaps and downtime, are the root cause. And varied.
But the American Society of Health System Pharmacists has “serious concerns ” about parts of this proposal, especially financial sanctions imposed on hospitals that lack the resources to comply with the recommendations, Abramowitz wrote:“ We all know that managing shortages is not enough and is not a sustainable solution to the worsening crisis, and there is still a lot of work to be done at the federal level to fix the root causes of drug shortages. ”
Why Shortage Occurs
Shortages can be caused by high demand, as with the recent shortage of weight-loss drugs, but this is not usually the main problem.
The FDA also blames manufacturing and quality problems, supply chain gaps, and downtime, and Dr. Emily Tucker, a drug shortage expert and an assistant professor of industrial engineering at Clemson University, says that when there is an indication of shortages, large health systems often also proactively place large orders, adding to the system ’ s stress.
“I don ’ t blame anyone.
“When I talk to all the stakeholders – whether it ’ s wholesalers, manufacturers, or the government – everyone wants this problem to end, ” she said.
Lack of transparency
Dr. Julie Grallo, chief medical officer and executive vice president of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, told the House Committee earlier that the shortage puts providers in a terrible position: “The drug shortage crisis is forcing providers to make impossible choices, and it is also hindering the development of new drugs. Health drugs are purchased only on a price basis, and manufacturers do not have to disclose the source of their acquisition of the ingredients.
The shortage of this generic chemical drug came due to the closure of one factory in India that manufactures the active ingredient after a surprise FDA inspection found “significant quality issues, ” says Jarallo:“ We didn ’ t know, and there was no transparency regarding the company ’ s supply of the majority of active pharmaceutical ingredients to all manufacturers across the board.
Knowing this in advance, we could have responded much faster, ” Dr. Steven Schundlemeyer, director of the PRIME Institute of the University of Minnesota School of Pharmacy, which focuses on economic and management issues, told the committee that as with defense contractors in the United States, New Zealand requires manufacturers to disclose their suppliers, and that information is required.
Easily accessible in the database.
Related Topics

Medication shortages have been a persistent issue since 2001, especially for sterile injectable generics.

The shortages have affected various medications, including 32 chemotherapy drugs.

Manufacturing and quality problems are the primary causes of most drug shortages, with supply chain gaps and downtime also contributing.

Lack of transparency hinders the response to drug shortages.

France reported 4,925 drug shortages in 2023, affecting 44% of the population.

Title:

Content: French health groups put forward proposals to limit the damage of worsening drug shortages

Medicines such as cough syrup, lozenges and ointment are seen on a table in an apartment in Berlin, Tuesday, December 20, 2022. Copyright Stephanie Pilick/dpa via AP
Copyright Stephanie Pilick/dpa via AP
By Lauren Chadwick
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Pharmaceutical companies’ lack of transparency leads to rising drug prices and less control over public resources, the group of health organisations say.

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A group of French organisations have called for more transparency from pharmaceutical companies as drug shortages increase.

In a joint report, 14 civil society organisations outlined their recommendations to solve a “situation that has only worsened” since 2018.

The French medicines regulator signalled 4,925 drug shortages in 2023, compared to 3,761 in 2022 and 2,160 in 2021.

A 2024 survey from France Assos Santé, which represents patients, found that 44 per cent of people in France said they had faced a drug shortage this year.

One of the pharmacy unions in France has even planned a strike at the end of the month over drug shortages and what they say is worsening access to care.

Each health organisation contributed an article with recommendations for dealing with the drug shortages.

The League Against Cancer urged complete transparency on drug shortages and potential substitutions for health professionals.

They also called for monitoring of medicine stocks and their location in the country to guarantee equal access.

The organisation found in a survey published in February that 78 per cent of health professionals in oncology had been faced with a drug shortage.

Drug shortages or delays have led to anxiety among cancer patients, lost time, and worsening symptoms, the organisation said.

France Assos Santé, meanwhile, wrote that an urgent response should not be to support “the industrial sector which bears serious responsibilities” for abandoning the production of less profitable drugs, relocating drug production, and keeping insufficient medicine stocks.

They would like any cost increases justified by production costs or the risk of withdrawing a drug from the market due to it being unprofitable. They called for cost evaluations to be made public.

Their concerns also range from the use of public money to bring drug production to Europe to new government plans to prevent shortages.

Some changes at the EU level criticised

Last year, the European Commission announced several measures to reform the pharmaceutical industry and address critical drug shortages.

The European Parliament went on to adopt a position on pharmaceutical reform last month, that included “incentives for innovation” and an effort to limit overuse of antibiotics.

The non-profit organisation Prescrire, which focuses on information about medicine, wrote in a chapter they contributed to the report that while some of the European Commission’s measures were welcome, others were concerning.

One of the many measures they rejected included the Commission’s proposal to reduce the number of days of scientific evaluation of drugs from 210 to 180, which they said was necessary time rather than an “administrative obstacle”.

While the NGO welcomed some measures such as government drug shortage prevention plans, it said the Commission should allow EU states to require pharmaceutical companies to have safety stocks of medicine and sanction those that do not respect them.

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French consumer organisation UFC-Que Choisir and the European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) said that they had hoped MEPs would shorten the length of time for “data protection” to allow generic medicines to be marketed more quickly.

Instead, MEPs approved shortening the period to 7.5 years, “which is almost the same duration as the current 8 years [yet] within the framework of the text adopted by Parliament, companies can gain additional months of protection under certain conditions to reach a total of 8.5 years,” UFC-Que Choisir said.

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The European Commission has announced measures to reform the pharmaceutical industry, including shortening drug evaluation times from 210 to 180 days to address shortages.

In the US, 323 drugs, including Ozempic and Mounjaro, faced shortages in early 2024, mainly due to fragmented supply chains.

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Content: Meitu
The first quarter of the United States serious drug shortage 323 drugs urgent cancer patients also have to be diverted and rationed!
CHU HENG NETWORK NEWS CENTER 2024-04-16 10: 42
According to the latest data from the American Society of Health System Pharmacists (ASHP) and the Utah Center for Drug Information Services, a total of 323 drugs in the United States were in severe shortages in the first quarter of this year, surpassing the record of 320 in 2014.
Among the drugs affected are the widely used diabetes drugs Ozempic and Mounjaro, the allergy treatment drug adrenaline, the common antibiotic amoxicillin for children, chemotherapy drugs and injections commonly used in hospitals in intensive care.
ASHP CEO Paul Abramowitz said in a statement that almost all categories of drugs are facing shortages, with non-patented sterile injectable drugs, including cancer chemotherapy drugs, and emergency drugs stored in hospital emergency vans and operating areas, the shortage of such drugs is the most worrying.
According to the American Cancer Society, chemotherapy is one of the top five drugs most affected by the shortage, which threatens to have a devastating impact on patients, and some hospitals and clinics say doctors have had to divert patients to ration their medications because of a shortage of some chemotherapy drugs.
In addition, ASHP noted that the continued nationwide shortage of ADHD drugs is “a problem for clinicians and patients. ”
The shortage of popular drugs is even more acute, with Mounjaro, the diabetes drug known as the “slimming pill ”, already in dire straits.
In response, Lilly said that the “unprecedented surge in demand ” for Mounjaro and its similar drug Zepbound has led to a shortage in the market, which the company is struggling to cope with.
Lilly is ramping up investments to boost production at Mounjaro and Zepbound in the second half of 2024.
The company said it expects intermittent supply disruptions in the near term due to unprecedented demand.
How to cure the drug shortage
The last major “drug shortage ” in U.S. history occurred in 2014, and it has only been alleviated in the years since.
Since 2021, the drug shortage situation seems to be increasing, and scholars in the field of medical health and economics in the United States believe that the reason for most drug shortages in the United States is the fragmentation of the drug supply chain.
The White House this month proposed spending between $3.26 billion and $5.11 billion over the next decade to help address the nation ’ s drug shortage.
The bill requires approval and funding from the U.S. Congress.
U.S. researchers and policymakers believe that a complete solution to the “drug shortage ” may require changes to the business model of the U.S. pharmaceutical industry, including measures to increase the price of generic drugs to attract more drug manufacturers.
Policymakers recommend giving the FDA more power to access more information about drug shortages and impending shortages.
Currently, the FDA relies primarily on phone calls to manufacturers asking if they can increase their supply to understand the situation.
The American Society of Health System Pharmacists said it is working with the federal government to advise the government on measures to address the drug shortage, including that Congress should require manufacturers to be more transparent on any supply chain issues and encourage more diversity in supply chains.
According to Abramowitz, “The federal government still has a lot of work to do to fundamentally address drug shortages, and the American Society of Health System Pharmacists will continue to engage regularly with policymakers to guide them in drafting and passing new legislation to address drug shortages and continue to advocate vigorously for proven solutions on behalf of our members. ”

The White House has proposed $3.26-5.11 billion to address drug shortages and the FDA needs more power.

To prepare for potential shortages, keep a list of medications, including patient details and dosage information, and update it regularly.

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Content: Preparing a list of medications for patients
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Some people suffer from many diseases and need to take a variety of drugs, which is difficult to avoid confusion.
Jurong Community Hospital pharmacist Sun Shimin reminded that caregivers should prepare a list of medications for patients in case of emergencies, such as patients unable to communicate well or suddenly unable to recall what medicine they were taking.
Jurong Community Hospital pharmacist Sun Shimin recommends that the list of medications prepared by caregivers for patients should include:
• Details of the patient, such as what disease they have, whether they are allergic to any medication or food.
• List all medications, supplements, or traditional Chinese medicines that the patient is taking (including dosage, frequency, and purpose).
If the patient only takes certain medications when necessary, it should also be noted on the list.
Reminder! If there are any changes to the medicine, remember to modify the list; when you see a doctor or buy a medicine from a pharmacist, remember to bring the list.
What should a caregiver look out for when taking a patient to a clinic, hospital or pharmacy?
The pharmacist Sun Shimin recommends:
• Make sure there is enough medication to last until the next visit.
• Also keep an eye out for the amount of medication left in your home to avoid overstocking.
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Having a two-week supply of prescription drugs and a disaster supply kit with essentials for emergencies is also recommended.

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Content: How to prepare your family for a hurricane ahead of the 2024 season

Published: Updated:

MAKE A FAMILY COMMUNICATION PLAN

Even the best plans can go astray when disaster strikes. If your family members are not all in the same place when a hurricane hits, have you considered how you’ll get in touch with each other? Do you have a designated meeting spot? What if your neighborhood is evacuated? It’s vitally important to create a plan now to ensure you’ll all know what to do, how to find each other, and how to communicate in an emergency.

  • Choose the same person for each family member to call or email, so that everyone has a single point of contact. During or after a hurricane, it might be easier to reach someone who’s out of town or outside the state.
  • Make that contact person the “ICE” (“In Case of Emergency”) contact in your cell phone. If you’re injured, emergency personnel often will check your ICE listings to reach someone you know. Notify the person you’ve listed that he or she is your emergency contact.
  • Be sure every member of your family knows the emergency contact’s phone number and has a cell phone or a prepaid phone card to call that person.
  • Text, don’t talk, unless it’s an emergency. It may be easier to text and you won’t tie up phone lines for emergency workers. Text messages can often get around network disruptions when phone calls can’t.
  • Keep your family’s contact info and meeting spot location in your backpack, wallet, or cell phone or taped inside your school notebook.
  • Designate someone from outside the area to be the primary contact for out-of-town relatives and friends to check on your well-being. Following a hurricane, landlines and cell phone networks may be out of service for extended periods.

BE PREPARED AND STAY AWARE

It’s important to be prepared and stay aware when hazardous weather threatens. A communication plan is only one element of what you’ll need to have in place with your family when a hurricane is imminent. Get your family together well before hurricane season begins so that you can establish a plan for how to respond to a natural disaster. Here are some ideas:

  • Discuss the type of hazards that could affect your family.
  • Know your home’s vulnerability to storm dangers.
  • Determine your evacuation route and destination. Plan to go to family or friends who live in safer areas. Use county evacuation shelters only as a last resort.
  • Establish an alternate plan if your friends should be out of town, your primary evacuation route is flooded, or other unforeseen circumstances arise.
  • Put together a family communication plan as outlined above.
  • Have a plan for what to do with your pets if you need to evacuate (see below).
  • Review your homeowners and flood insurance policies and keep them with you in a secure, waterproof place. The impending arrival of a storm is the wrong time to check if you have the proper insurance.
  • Register any individuals with special needs with your county’s emergency management office.
  • Create a list of prescription medicines that you will need to refill and take with you.
  • Stock non-perishable emergency supplies and food.
  • Prepare a disaster supply kit.

PREPARE YOUR PETS

You will need a plan for your pets, too. Consider two different pet emergency kits:

  • In one, put everything your pets will need to stay where you are.
  • The other should be a compact, portable version to use if you and your pets have to evacuate.
  • For more information and a detailed list of disaster preparedness tips, go to aspca.org.

GET YOUR SUPPLIES NOW: FOLLOW THESE CHECKLISTS

Supplies are a critical part of every family’s health and safety. Assemble the supplies you’ll need well in advance of hurricane season each year. It pays to be prepared.

When a storm is imminent, time to shop will be limited. If supplies are even available, you will have to scramble to find them. During recent hurricane seasons, many Southwest Florida residents had to contend with shortages of plywood, batteries, flashlights, water, ice, generators, and other storm necessities.

Every time a storm is predicted to make landfall near Southwest Florida, shopping lines are long, shelves are bare, and stress levels are high. Supplies can be divided into several categories, but the essentials should be gathered ahead of time and kept easily accessible throughout the hurricane season.

THE ESSENTIALS

These are the supplies you should always have on hand. Be sure to place the items that you will most likely need for an evacuation in an easy-to-carry container.

  • A minimum of one gallon of water per person per day. Keep at least a three-day supply per person on hand.
  • Additional water for food preparation and sanitation.
  • Bags of ice.
  • Partially fill plastic soft drink bottles, one liter or larger, with water and place them in the freezer. The bottles will freeze without cracking. If the power goes out, the frozen water will help keep the freezer cool, and when the ice melts, the water will be drinkable.
  • Fill up your car’s gas tank and portable gas canisters. Make sure those canisters are stored safely.
  • Keep cash handy. Banks may not be open, ATMs may not be accessible and debit cards and credit cards may not be viable if power is lost.

SPECIAL NEEDS

If you have family members with special requirements, such as infants and elderly or disabled persons, remember to include items and supplies that may be unique to their needs. That can include setting aside anything from extra diapers and baby formula to special medications and a spare walker.

GROCERIES

  • Baby formula
  • Bread
  • Crackers
  • Canned fruits
  • Canned juice
  • Canned meats
  • Canned vegetables
  • Dry cereal
  • Instant coffee and tea
  • Peanut butter
  • Quick-energy snacks
  • Ready-to-eat soups

MEDICAL SUPPLIES

  • First-aid kit for your home—for how to stock your kit, consult the American Red Cross at redcross.org.
  • First-aid kit for your car
  • Insulin
  • Denture needs
  • Prescription drugs (minimum two-week supply)
  • A supply of aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever
  • Contact lenses and supplies
  • Eyeglasses, along with a spare pair, if you have one
  • Heart and high blood pressure medicine
  • Insect repellent
  • Itch-relief cream

DOCUMENTS

  • Important telephone numbers
  • Record of bank account numbers
  • Family records (birth, marriage, death certificates)
  • Record of credit card account numbers and companies
  • Inventory of valuable household goods—with pictures, if possible
  • Copy of will, insurance policies, deeds, stocks, and bonds
  • Copy of passports, social security cards, and immunization records

SANITATION

  • Disinfectant
  • Toilet paper, towelettes, paper towels
  • Soap and liquid detergent
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Personal hygiene items
  • Household chlorine bleach
  • Large bucket or trash can with lid for storing water to flush toilets

Tools & Supplies

  • Battery-operated radio or TV
  • Flashlight and lanterns
  • Extra batteries and extra bulbs
  • Lighter or matches for your grill
  • Antenna for your TV
  • Extension cords (heavy-duty and three-pronged)
  • Manual can opener/utility knife
  • Plastic sheeting/tarps
  • Duct tape
  • Generator
  • Gas cans
  • Old towels for cleanup
  • Paper cups, plates, and utensils
  • Plastic trash bags
  • Full propane tank
  • Charcoal and lighter fluid
  • Camp stove
  • Sterno
  • Thermos for hot food
  • Coolers with ice for cold food
  • Tree saw for cutting fallen limbs
  • Hand tools: knife, axe, pliers, screwdrivers, wrench
  • Hammer and nails
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Fix-a-flat
  • Mops, buckets, and cleaning supplies

Copyright ©2024 Fort Myers Broadcasting. All rights reserved.

This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without prior written consent.

A family communication plan should include an emergency contact and a list of prescription medicines.

Creating a care plan with daily routines and medication schedules is essential for managing medication shortages and ensuring continuity of care for a parent.

Title:

Content: A Practical Guide To Caring For A Partner With New Mobility Issues

It can significantly change the dynamics of a relationship and daily life when a partner develops mobility issues. Whether due to an accident, illness, or the natural ageing process, adapting to these changes can be challenging for both parties.

Understanding the Emotional Impact

Before delving into practical considerations, it's crucial to acknowledge the emotional toll that new mobility issues can have on both you and your partner. Your loved one may be grappling with feelings of frustration, loss of independence, or changes in self-image. You might experience a range of emotions as a carer, from concern and empathy to stress and occasional resentment.

Open communication is key during this transition. Create a safe space for both of you to express your feelings and concerns. Remember, it's normal to feel overwhelmed at times, and seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Consider reaching out to organisations like Carers UK, which offers a helpline and online forums where you can connect with others in similar situations. Many NHS trusts also provide counselling services for carers, which can be accessed through your GP.

Understanding Care Needs

Every individual's care needs are unique, and these may change over time. Work with your partner and their healthcare professionals to understand their specific requirements.

This might involve learning new skills, such as how to assist with personal care or how to safely help your partner transfer from bed to chair. Many NHS trusts offer training for carers in these areas, which can be invaluable in building your confidence and ensuring you're providing care safely.

Create a care plan that outlines daily routines, medication schedules, and any specific care tasks. This can be helpful not only for you but also for any respite carers or healthcare professionals involved in your partner's care.

Don't hesitate to ask for help when needed. Your local council's social services department can conduct a care needs assessment, which may lead to additional support, or services being provided.

Think About A Mobility Scooter

A mobility scooter can be a game-changer for many individuals with mobility issues, offering increased independence and the ability to get out and about more easily. If your partner's mobility issues allow for it, considering a mobility scooter could significantly improve their quality of life and reduce the physical demands on you as a carer.

You should try out different models before signing on the dotted line. Many mobility shops offer home demonstrations, allowing you and your partner to test the scooter in your local environment.

Remember, using a mobility scooter may require some adaptations to your home, such as creating a suitable storage space with access to power for charging. It's also important to consider any training your partner might need to use the scooter safely. Mobility Solutions has a wide range of mobility scooters for sale and resources to help you learn more.

Managing Medication and Healthcare Appointments

You may find yourself taking on the responsibility of managing your partner's medication and healthcare appointments as a carer. This can be a complex task, particularly if multiple medications or healthcare professionals are involved.

Create a system for organising medications. This might involve using a pill organiser or setting up reminders on your phone. Some pharmacies offer dosette box services, pre-packing medications into easy-to-use daily or weekly containers.

Keep a calendar of healthcare appointments and set reminders. It can be helpful to maintain a folder with all relevant medical information, including a list of current medications, allergies, and contact details for healthcare providers.

Don't be afraid to ask questions during medical appointments. You play a crucial role in your partner's healthcare team as a carer, and your observations and input are valuable.

Prioritising Self-Care

Caring for a partner with mobility issues can be physically and emotionally demanding. It's crucial to prioritise your own wellbeing to avoid burnout.

Make time for regular breaks, even if it's just a few minutes to yourself each day. Try to maintain social connections and hobbies outside of your caring role.

Look after your physical health by eating well, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep. Remember, your health is just as important as your partner's.

Consider respite care options. This might involve arranging for a professional carer to take over for a few hours each week, or for your partner to attend a day centre. Carers Trust can provide information on respite care options in your area.

Navigating Financial Matters

New mobility issues often come with financial implications, from adaptations to the home to potential changes in employment status. It's important to understand the financial support available.

Your partner may be eligible for disability benefits such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Attendance Allowance. You might be entitled to Carer's Allowance as a carer.

The Benefits Calculator on the Turn2us website can help you identify which benefits you and your partner might be eligible for.

Discuss flexible working options with your employer if you need to reduce your working hours or give up work to care for your partner. All employees in the UK have the legal right to request flexible working.

Consider seeking advice from a financial advisor who specialises in later-life finances. They can help you plan for the long-term financial implications of your partner's mobility issues.

Maintaining Your Relationship

While your role as a carer is important, it's crucial to remember that you're also partners. Try to maintain aspects of your relationship that aren't centred around care.

Plan activities you can enjoy together, adapting them as necessary to accommodate mobility issues. This might involve finding accessible restaurants for date nights, watching films together at home, or enjoying audiobooks if reading has become difficult.

Maintain physical intimacy in whatever way feels comfortable for both of you. This might involve adapting sexual activities or finding new ways to express affection. Relate, the relationship support charity, offers advice on maintaining intimacy when dealing with health issues.

Remember to communicate not just about care needs, but also about your feelings, hopes, and fears. Maintaining emotional intimacy is just as important as addressing practical matters.

Connecting with Others

Caring for a partner with mobility issues can sometimes feel isolating. It's important to connect with others who understand your situation.

Consider joining a carers' support group. These can be found through local carers' centres, charities, or online platforms. Sharing experiences with others in similar situations can provide emotional support and practical advice.

Maintain connections with friends and family. They can provide valuable emotional support and may be able to offer practical help too.

Look into local activities or groups that cater to people with mobility issues. Participating in these together can be a great way to socialise and stay active.

Planning for the Future

While it's important to focus on the present, planning for the future can provide peace of mind for both you and your partner.

Discuss your partner's wishes for their future care. This might involve creating an advance care plan or lasting power of attorney.

Consider how your caring role might evolve over time. Are there skills you need to develop? Might you need to adapt your home further in the future?

Think about your own future too. How will you maintain your own health and well-being as you continue in your caring role?

The Pros and Cons of Telehealth for Mental Health

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Understanding specific care needs with healthcare professionals is crucial in managing medication shortages.

Prescription drug shortages are often linked to manufacturing problems, and low drug supplies can lead to a 16.6 percent price increase.

Title:

Content: Prescription drug shortages lead to higher prices

Reporter: Andryanna Sheppard
Published: Updated:
Lea este artículo en Noticias WINK

Millions of people in the United States depend on prescription drugs to manage pain, treat medical conditions, and even to help them stay alive. However, the country’s drug shortage is making it hard for some people to get the medication they need or pay for the drugs that are available.

Federal Drug Administration data shows 90 percent of prescriptions in the US are for generic drugs. According to the National Institutes of Health, most prescription drugs involved in shortages are generic options.

There are currently more than 250 medications on the nation’s prescription drug shortage list, according to the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. The organization says 2023 marked the worst year for shortages in about a decade.

Jessica Kahn’s two sons were diagnosed with ADD.

“I would say tricky, tricky to navigate,” Kahn described.

For the past year, Kahn said getting their medication has been frustrating.

“I have my list of all the pharmacies. I’ve even driven all the way up north to Walgreens or a CVS, some random place to go pick up a kids’ prescription,” Kahn added.

According to the FDA, prescription drug shortages are often linked to manufacturing and quality problems, delays, and discontinuations. Two drugs used in chemotherapy, Adderall, lidocaine, and amoxicillin are just a couple of the prescription medications on the shortage list.

When drug supplies are low, prices tend to increase. According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, there is a 16.6 percent increase in the price of drugs involved in a shortage. And in some cases, alternative drugs were priced at least three times higher.

“You got to be very conscientious that it might not be available and that it is not an option,” Kahn advised. “No matter how many places you call, it’s not there.”

Beating the prescription drug shortage

Health experts offer these tips:

  • Check the national drug shortage list for your medication and possible alternatives.
  • Don’t wait until your prescription is almost gone to refill it.
  • Check other pharmacies for availability and if you can’t find the generic version, look for coupons or programs that offer payment help. Some patients have reported that they receive additional help to reduce some prescription costs from $100 to $10, it’s not allowed if you are already on Medicare.
  • Websites and apps like GoodRX, RX Saver and WellRX can help you find the cheapest place that has your medication and coupons for it.

Contributors to this news report include: Lindsay Dailey, Producer; Bob Walko, Editor

Copyright ©2024 Fort Myers Broadcasting. All rights reserved.

This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without prior written consent.

Alternative drugs can be at least three times more expensive, burdening patients and caregivers.

Checking the national drug shortage list can help find alternative medications, and refilling prescriptions early can help avoid shortages.