The drug supply chain plays a crucial role in ensuring that patients have access to the medications they need. However, interruptions in the supply chain can lead to drug shortages, leaving patients without essential treatments. In such situations, it becomes critical to find temporary solutions to bridge the gap and provide patients with the medications they require urgently. EVEXIAS is highlighting an urgent call to action for individuals to reach out to their members of Congress and support legislation that empowers pharmacy compounders to address these shortages.
Understanding the Issue
When medications are in short supply and cannot be sourced from the manufacturer or an outsourcing facility, it becomes challenging for healthcare providers to meet the needs of their patients. Traditional compounders, who specialize in customizing medications for individual patients, have the potential to play a vital role in filling these gaps in the drug supply chain. However, current regulations limit their ability to step in during such shortages. This is where the Urgent Use Legislation, specifically HR 167, comes into play.
What is HR 167?
HR 167, sponsored by Representatives Griffith and Cuellar, aims to enable pharmacy compounders to temporarily provide urgently needed medications when those drugs are listed as in shortage by the FDA. The bill would expand the capabilities of traditional compounders, allowing them to prepare shortage drugs not only for hospitals but also for medical clinics. For example, in scenarios like a cataract surgery where a specific drug is needed for in-clinic administration and cannot be obtained from the manufacturer or an outsourcing facility, compounders would be authorized to step in and help.
Call to Action
To make a real difference, it is essential for individuals like you to take action. Here’s how you can contribute:
- Contact Your U.S. House Member: Using the Voter Voice platform, you can quickly send a pre-written message to your U.S. House Member. The message urges them to support HR 167 by co-sponsoring the bill and pushing for its consideration in the Energy & Commerce Committee. Additionally, feel free to personalize the message with details such as the name of your store and the number of patients you serve. Remember, your voice matters in advocating for your compounding practice.
- Contact Your Two U.S. Senators: Reach out to your two U.S. Senators and ask them to encourage the Senate Health, Education, Labor & Pensions Committee to include the language of HR 167 in the pandemic preparedness bill they are currently working on. This step is crucial to ensure that the legislation gains the necessary support and consideration it deserves.
By taking just a few minutes of your time, you can contribute to improving the availability of essential medications during drug shortages. Contacting your members of Congress and urging them to support HR 167 will empower pharmacy compounders to step in and help fill urgent gaps in the drug supply chain. Remember to share this call to action with your compounding teammates and encourage them to participate as well. Together, we can make a significant impact on patient care and ensure that no one is left without the medications they desperately need.
