potency, and that could open the door to potential mistakes when trying to calculate dosages. These newer drugs are also exponentially more expensive than their generic counterparts,� Dr. Wiley said. Lisa Polinsky, director of pharmacy at LifeBridge Health, said chemotherapy drug shortages represent just a fraction of the problem facing medical facilities across the country. According to the FDA, the number of medications on the administration’s shortage list has gone from 61 in 2005 to a record 250 in 2011. Polinsky said about 80 percent of these were sterile injectable drugs commonly used in emergency departments and operating rooms. These include electrolytes, anesthetics and epinephrine, the latter of which is often used for patients in cardiac arrest. “The federal government needs to have better control over keeping track of when there might be a shortage and finding incentives for companies to continue to produce generic drugs,� Polinsky said. Last year, President Barack Obama issued an executive order that called for further action to reduce and prevent drug shortages, protect consumers and prevent price gouging. Part of the concern over drug shortages, Polinsky said, is the nation’s emerging “gray market� for pharmaceuticals, in which companies purchase drugs in low supply and sell them at an average markup of 650 percent. “This gray market is like insider trading for drugs,� Polinsky said. “Companies become aware of the shortages prior to the public and take advantage of the situation.� Maryland has been at the forefront of this battle for the last few years. Among those trying to bring light to the issue is University of Maryland women’s basketball coach Brenda Frese. Frese’s son, Tyler, 4, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in 2010 and will continue to receive chemotherapy for the next two years.
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One of Tyler’s drugs has been on the shortage list. Frese has lobbied federal and state lawmakers, including U.S. Rep. Elijah E. Cummings (D-7), who plans to introduce legislation that would prohibit pharmacies from selling their supplies to wholesalers. Most recently, Frese offered written testimony to the state’s Joint Committee on Health Care Delivery and Financing. The committee is exploring legislative options during the 90-day General Assembly session, which began on Jan. 9.
“IT’S JUST SAD TO KNOW THAT PEOPLE ARE BEING DENIED DRUGS BECAUSE OF PROFIT MARGINS.� — Brenda Frese
“It’s tragic that in the 21st century this is a debate we are having,� Frese said. “It’s just sad to know that people are being denied drugs because of profit margins. I’m curious to think what the heads of those drug companies would think if it was one of their kids who was in danger of dying because a certain drug was just not being produced.� Del. Dan Morhaim (D-11) is chairman of the committee and a physician. He said drug shortages have become a serious issue that has led to dangerous situations. Anne Arundel Medical Center was nearly forced to cancel surgeries because it lacked many commonly used medications. “We’ve skated near the edge of danger and need to find solutions to this problem,� Morhaim said. “Unfortunately, there are always some people out there who will find a way to make money off of other people’s suffering.� JT Ron Snyder is a JT staff reporter rsnyder@jewishtimes.com
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Pumpkin Theatre
45th Anniversary Season Quest of the Z IZ Bird A NEW PLAY based on the children’s book The Hardest Word, by Jacqueline Jules. Produced in partnership with the Center for Jewish Education
January 26 & 27, February 2 & 3 1:00 and 3:00 pm shows Tickets $14 advance / $16 door 3 play subscriptions available
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jewishtimes.com
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