Survey shows drug shortages pervasive

July 12, 2011

Nearly all hospitals are reporting shortages, and 82 percent say they are delaying patient treatment as a result.

The drugs most commonly in short supply were in the categories of oncology, surgery, emergency care, cardiovascular, pain management and infectious disease.

Hospitals may be forced to delay procedures or make substitutions in patient care.

The Food and Drug Administration says the shortages are caused by manufacturing problems when firms simply stop making drugs and have production delays.

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