Hospitals have warned that problems with the country’s supply chain could exacerbate the continued shortage of albuterol. shut down last week.
Albuterol is one of the most commonly used treatments for asthma and other respiratory problems. It is one of a class of drugs known as bronchodilators. It is used to prevent bronchospasm in patients with various respiratory diseases such as emphysema and bronchitis. After a shortage of supplies since last summer, the hospital warns that the shortage is about to get worse in the next news. Acorn Operating Company LLC ceased operations last week after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2020.
Akorn is the only company in the world that manufactures the specific products required for continuous nebulization therapy. Akorn’s closure leaves Nephron Pharmaceuticals, the sole domestic supplier of liquid albuterol. Nephron’s albuterol has been on backorder for several weeks, and although they began shipping orders last week, they are still significantly behind in fulfilling orders.
Nevertheless, the most serious problem today is the nebulizer mixing solution used in hospitals. Dr. Erin Piper, clinical pharmacist at New Orleans Children’s Hospital, told CBS News: For inhalation the patient takes a breath. ”
Hospitals have already started saving albuterol dosages for patients who need it more urgently, and are concerned that continued shortages could affect patients’ health and lives. Although a CBS report indicates that these shortages are not expected to be permanent and production contingency plans are expected to resolve the situation later this year. In the meantime, patients with respiratory problems have another reason for difficulty breathing.
