Reducing the impact of drug shortages to help keep patients on track

Prescription drug shortages are on the upswing, causing concern among clients and their members who depend on drug therapies to manage a range of conditions. According to 10-year trend data reported by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), active drug shortages by quarter increased 58 percent between Q3 2016 and Q2 2024, when 300 drug shortages were being monitored.¹

What is causing drug shortages today? According to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), manufacturing quality issues are a major reason for prescription drug shortages,² and other issues, including production delays, inadequate manufacturer access to raw materials and components, distribution issues, product recalls, and drug discontinuations also contribute.

It’s important to know that before and after drug shortages happen, CVS Health is taking steps to reduce their impact. We continuously monitor information across the industry – including the FDA, pharmaceutical manufacturers, and suppliers – to counter the impact for prescribers and members.

As one of the largest purchasers of pharmaceuticals, CVS Health buys from multiple suppliers to ensure that the necessary supply of product is available, working diligently, behind the scenes and before significant issues arise, to reduce the risk of any disruption in medication services for our members and clients. CVS pharmacies also employ innovative inventory and purchasing strategies to maintain ample supply of medication stock.

When shortages do occur, we work with our clients, their members, and their physicians to identify and recommend alternative therapies when necessary and endeavor to avoid additional, unplanned medication costs whenever possible. For example, members who use CVS Pharmacy can sign up for alerts, get notifications when their medication is out of stock at their primary location, and search for nearby locations where it’s available. A transfer to that location can be made digitally without having to call either pharmacy – a real convenience.

These strategies help to ensure that members have the medicine they need, when they need it.

CVS Caremark remains committed to continuously developing and leveraging all its resources and purchasing power on behalf of members and clients to prevent and mitigate disruptions to drug therapy.