As diabetes medicine shortages hit CSRA, fear spikes in locals
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - Drug shortages in the United States are at a record high.
New data from the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists says no less than 323 drugs were in shortage in the first quarter of the year.
From pills to injectables, it can become a serious problem.
So how are local pharmacies dealing with it?
We take a closer look.
Benjamin Thurmond was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes a little over a year ago.
“I have changed my diet so much because of the fear of diabetes. I don’t want to lose nothing,” he said.
The retired veteran says he’s been able to manage the disease using Trulicity, a drug that’s become popular as an alternative for weight loss.
Kourtney Brittingham, a pharmacy supervisor at AU Wellstar, said: “Manjaro, Trulicity and Ozempic. They are not FDA-approved for weight loss. So, if you’re following the guidelines, they shouldn’t be prescribed for weight loss.”
Brittingham says, believe it or not, the weight loss factor isn’t what’s standing in between the refills.
“It’s the pin injector that they’re having trouble sourcing. And so that seems to be the bottleneck to producing these medications. And of course, a lot of these medications are being used for diabetic patients,” she said.
Thurmond says with his dose being cut in half, he’s worried about the side effects.
“If I don’t get this medication, I might go blind. I might have a heart attack. I might have a problem with my arms, then I might lose a limb. It’s a little serious to me,” said Thurmond.
He’s playing a game of Russian roulette with the pharmacy, while they struggle to keep medicine in stock for those who need it most.
Brittingham said: “Trulicity is on backorder. But whenever drugs go on backorder, usually there’s something called an allotment. So, the manufacturer will allow these out to certain pharmacies. So even though it’s on backorder, a pharmacy may randomly get a couple of boxes. So, it’s also really important to just keep checking back.”
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
