Information contained on this page is provided by NewsUSA, an
independent third-party content provider. WorldNow and this
Station make no warranties or representations in connection
therewith. /National Children's Cancer Society) - The good news
is that some drug shortages have been resolved, and many
essential childhood cancer drugs are now more available. The
root of the problem, however, persists. For the past two years,
hospitals have been hit with significant shortages of many
generic drugs for several diseases, including cancer. In 2011
alone, there were at least 250 different shortages.
Pharmaceutical companies and drug manufacturers make less money
off many of the older, generic drugs used for cancer treatment.
But generally, most shortages are a result of manufacturing
snags and production problems. Improvements are being made;
cooperation between drug manufacturers and the FDA has helped
prevent many new shortages. But at large, oncology drugs for
both children and adults are severely lacking. Sandr