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Antabuse is again on the list. Insert choice of displeased response here...
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Drug Shortages
Started by Sushirolls
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Antabuse is again on the list. Insert choice of displeased response here...
From a public health and cost perspective: anytime a drug goes on the national shortage list, the US government gets to create and distribute it at cost forever. There is no excuse for these shortages.
Meh. I rarely prescribe antabuse anymore. I have one person who still takes it. Most people with alcohol use disorder seem to just learn not to take it before they drink. If committed to sobriety and in treatment, campral, naltrexone, and even topiramate are all alternatives.
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We have a running list of drug shortages all the time. Usually not that big of a deal. Usually.
I'm well aware of the range of AUD meds and their risks/benefits. However, I do still have patients specifically elect that medicine or seek consultations for that medicine. I have a handful who are doing well on it, and these shortages are causing some distress as they then have to start calling random pharmacies to assess their supply levels.
And national security. Think if China stopped shipping the APIs for the majority of drugs we take. The US government and military do stockpile certain drugs, but I would imagine that's for certain essentials and for those most deemed to be important enough to get them. But some of the most important drugs are the least shelf stable (biologics and antibiotics).
