The US sees a shortage of the life-saving drug albuterol. Here’s what patients with respiratory conditions like asthma and COPD need to know
A drug commonly used to treat asthma attacks is in short supply, increasing anxiety among patients who use it and the pharmacies and healthcare facilities that offer it.
According to the US Food and Drug Administration, albuterol sulfate inhalant solution has been in short supply since last fall. A major manufacturer, Akorn, shut down in February, throwing a big wrench into the supply chain, according to the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, which tracks drug shortages.
Albuterol is a bronchodilator that relieves asthma attacks by relaxing the smooth muscles in the airways. But it’s also used to treat patients with respiratory diseases like RSV and chronic respiratory diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD, sometimes called emphysema, says Carl Hinkson, president of the American Association for Respiratory Care Wealth.
Just who is affected? If you have been prescribed Albuterol and are not affected yet, will you be in the future? Here’s what respiratory disease patients need to know about the shortage of the life-saving drug.
Inhalers are not in short supply.
The shortage is only in liquid form, which is used in atomizers. At the moment, albuterol inhalers are not in short supply, and perhaps never will be.
It’s good news for adults with milder conditions who only use an inhaler. It’s not so good news for patients on nebulizers, who tend to have more severe medical conditions. Nebulizers are often a better choice for such people because they appear to deliver medication deeper into the lungs, Dr. John Schumann, senior medical director of Oak Street Health, a chain of primary care clinics serving older adults. He treats patients in Tulsa, Okla.
Regardless of the severity of the condition, nebulizers are also often prescribed for children who have trouble following directions on how to use an inhaler properly, experts say Wealth. They are also commonly used in healthcare facilities such as hospitals due to the severity of cases.
A similar drug can be prescribed.
Fortunately, when it comes to albuterol, “there is a good alternative,” says Schumann: levalbuterol. According to a 2008 article, it is just as effective in treating moderate asthma with no difference in side effects American family doctor. And there is currently no shortage of that. However, if demand increases, there could be a shortage.
Not all areas or patients are affected by the current shortage.
So far, Schumann has not seen any affected patients. And none of the hospitals that Hinkson’s organization works with have been affected so far. However, he knows of some children’s hospitals that have switched to using levalbuterol for children with nebulizers. However, the shortage could worsen as those using the drug try to bag en masse.
It’s now even more important to take care of your lung health.
Patients should always try to avoid triggers, but it’s even more important now, says Hinkson. Triggers vary from person to person but can include illness, the common cold, and smoke. To maintain overall lung health, the American Lung Association recommends quitting smoking if you are a smoker; take action to improve indoor air quality; avoiding outdoor air pollution; and visit your doctor for regular check-ups. You can read more here.
If you’re concerned you may be affected by the albuterol shortage, contact someone on your healthcare team.
That could be your pharmacist, who can see if you might be affected the next time you fill your prescription, and if so, contact your doctor for another prescription, Hinkson says. You can also contact your prescribing doctor.
wealthThe CFO Daily Newsletter is the analysis every finance professional needs to read to get ahead. Sign up today.
