What to Do if Your Medication is Out of Stock?

You depend on your medications, but what if you can’t get them?

Navigating Prescription Stockouts

Being prepared could save your life.

In recent years, prescription drug shortages have become an increasingly common and distressing problem for patients across the United States. From essential antibiotics to life-sustaining cancer medications, shortages can affect a wide range of drugs, leaving those affected feeling vulnerable, anxious, and unsure of where to turn for help.

The causes of drug shortages are multifaceted and often deeply entrenched in the complex realities of the pharmaceutical industry. Manufacturing issues, quality control problems, and production delays can all disrupt the supply chain, while financial incentives may drive companies to prioritize certain products over others, leading to scarcity of less profitable drugs.

For anyone caught in the middle of these shortages, the impact can be profound. Suddenly, the medications you rely on to manage chronic conditions, treat acute illnesses, or even survive life-threatening diseases may be unavailable or in critically short supply. The resulting stress, uncertainty, and potential health risks can be overwhelming.

If you find yourself facing a medication shortage, it’s essential to remember that you have options and advocates who can help you navigate this challenging situation. Here are some key strategies to consider:

• Don’t hesitate to speak up: Your healthcare team is your first line of support during a drug shortage. Inform your doctor and pharmacist as soon as you encounter difficulty filling your prescription. They can work with you to identify alternative medications, adjust dosages, or develop short-term management plans to bridge the gap until your regular drug becomes available again.

• Explore therapeutic alternatives: In many cases, there may be other drugs within the same therapeutic class that can provide similar benefits to your prescribed medication. Your doctor can help you determine if a substitute is appropriate based on your specific medical needs, and can write a new prescription or authorize insurance coverage changes if necessary.

• Tap into expert resources: Organizations like the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) and the FDA maintain detailed databases of current and resolved drug shortages. These resources can provide valuable information on the reasons behind a shortage, estimated resupply timelines, and suggested therapeutic alternatives.

| In 2024, there has steadily been about 300 medications in short supply according to the ASHP |

• Investigate assistance programs: Often the generic versions of medications are in higher demand due to affordability, and thus go out of stock more quickly. If you’re struggling to afford a brand-name medication that is in stock, check the manufacturer’s website for patient assistance programs, co-pay savings cards, or other financial support options. Many pharmaceutical companies offer these resources to help eligible patients access needed drugs at a reduced cost.

• Embrace proactive planning: While navigating an active shortage is crucial, taking steps to prepare for future supply disruptions can provide valuable peace of mind. Consider keeping an emergency supply of your essential medications in a dedicated solution like the Jase Case. The Jase Case comes with 5 life saving emergency medications to treat the most common illness and infections you’re likely to encounter, and can be further customized with 28 additional meds to treat an expansive array of conditions, and can be a critical buffer when essential emergency prescriptions may be out of stock at your regular pharmacy.

For medications you take regularly for chronic conditions, a service like Jase Daily can be a game-changer. By providing an extended supply of your daily  medications delivered right to your door, Jase Daily helps you stay ahead of potential shortages and ensures you always have a few extra months of your prescriptions

• Leverage technology and online resources: In the digital age, patients have access to a wealth of online resources and support communities that can provide valuable information and guidance during a drug shortage. From patient forums and social media groups to mobile apps that track drug availability and prices, these tools can help you stay informed, connect with others facing similar challenges, and discover alternative solutions you may not have considered.

By tapping into the collective knowledge and experience of these online communities, you can gain new insights, share your own strategies, and find much-needed support and encouragement as you navigate the uncertainties of a drug shortage.

• Advocate for change: While individual strategies can help patients weather the immediate challenges of drug shortages, long-term solutions require systemic change. Engaging with patient advocacy organizations, sharing your experiences with elected officials, and supporting policies that prioritize patient needs over profits can all contribute to a more stable, transparent, and equitable pharmaceutical supply chain.

Prescription drug shortages can be a source of immense frustration, anxiety, and vulnerability for patients who depend on these medications to maintain their health and quality of life. However, by arming yourself with knowledge, leveraging the expertise of your healthcare team, and embracing proactive strategies like the Jase Case and Jase Daily, you can navigate even the most challenging shortages with greater confidence and resilience.

Remember, you are your own best advocate. Don’t hesitate to speak up, ask questions, and explore every possible avenue to access the medications you need. With persistence, creativity, and the support of your healthcare community, you can overcome the obstacles of drug shortages and stay focused on what matters most: your health and well-being.

Keep yourself prepared for the potential of out of stock pharmacies by having a Jase Case on hand, before you need it.

– Your partners in preparedness: Jase.com