The Growing Pressure To Meet Drug Shortages
Pharmacies play a central role in providing prescription medications to millions of Americans. Meeting the demands of patients is essential to supporting health and well-being. Pharmacies rely on manufacturers to create and supply prescription drugs, but drug shortages are a growing concern. Today, over 200 drugs are in short supply. Perhaps the most popular drug facing supply issues is glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP) receptor agonists, proven to be effective in treating type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity. With growing pressure to meet shortages, pharmacies must be proactive. Implementing compounding strategies can support the current supply chain, allowing pharmacies to continue thriving.
Drug shortages and demand surges
GLP-1 is a medication that supplements or mimics the natural GLP-1 hormone. This medication helps regulate insulin release and slow gastric emptying, which in turn helps control blood sugar levels. Consistent use can also aid in weight loss and help with obesity. Shortages of GLP-1 drugs are happening due to skyrocketing demand coupled with manufacturing constraints. While some shortages have been resolved, manufacturing delays persist, prompting pharmacies to devise strategies to support patients. Supply issues often impact the cost of drugs, significantly raising prices and leading to unethical practices.
Strategic use of compounding
Perhaps the most effective way pharmacies can meet demand is to create effective alternatives. Off-brand forms of GLP-1 can be made through compounding, a process that involves creating custom solutions tailored to meet the individual needs of patients. Compounding involves using approved, high-quality ingredients to create customized medications or combining multiple drugs for medication management. During drug shortages, compounding is often relied on to meet demand. With a popular drug like GLP-1, pharmacies and patients rely on compounding. Pharmacies can also use compounding strategically, ensuring patients continue to work with the practice.
Benefits of compounding
The overarching benefit of compounding is that pharmacies can create custom doses for patients. Most pharmacies can source ingredients from smaller suppliers, ensuring fewer delays. Pharmacies can still profit from supplying GLP-1 and the ongoing relationship with patients. Unlike brand-name options that come in set doses, compounding allows for customization. For instance, compounding can change the form of the drug from injectable to oral and adjust doses, which helps reduce side effects and increase adherence. A continuous supply ensures there are no disruptions to treatment regimens, which is essential when using GLP-1 drugs. For patients, this means improved health at a more affordable cost, since compounding competes with the high prices of in-demand, brand-name options.
Business resilience through diversification
Pharmacies that see compounding as a solution to drug shortages can thrive. Compounding pharmacies can respond quickly to demand, producing medications in a matter of days or weeks. Pharmacies that lack infrastructure can outsource compounded solutions to nearby pharmacies. Even with evolving policies, pharmacies can still follow guidelines to create or stock compounded options. While effective, these drugs require strict adherence to safety standards. Review all requirements and adhere to safety goals, as safe solutions enhance patient trust.
For a future-proofed pharmacy
Drug shortages will continue to impact the pharmaceutical space. GLP-1 medication supply, in particular, will continue to be a challenge. As chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes and obesity rise, pharmacists must find ways to keep up with demand. By creating a custom option that contains the same effective ingredients, pharmacies can meet patient demand and establish a positive reputation. Through compounding strategies such as creating non-standard doses, alternative delivery methods, and combination therapies, pharmacies can become more future-proof.
