Drug industry problems lead to shortages of some critically needed medications

www.star-telegram.com...

More than 50 medications, including some used to treat cancer, are in short supply, leaving some North Texas physicians and pharmacists in a lurch.

Sterile injectible drugs, many prescribed to treat life-threatening illnesses, are among the hardest hit by the shortage, said Dr. Ray Page, president and director of research oncology at the Center for Cancer & Blood Disorders in Fort Worth. The situation has put physicians in the precarious position of considering other drugs that might not work as well.

Manufacturing difficulties, voluntary recalls and increased demand for the drugs have all contributed to the problem. Shortages have been present for years but in recent months have become more severe, in part because of drug industry consolidation.

This is the first Ive heard of a shortage of drugs. I did not know this was going on at the moment.

I bolded the "increased demand" part. How much has demand increased? Im not really sure. I think there are a few threads on here about increased consumption of medications recently.