Drug shortages aren’t just temporary supply hiccups—they can become full-blown healthcare crises that can last for years and directly impact patient outcomes (especially in correctional settings). We look at all the dimensions of drug shortages, from manufacturing failures and fragile supply chains to economic and regulatory challenges. Chris highlights notable examples such as heparin and norepinephrine, examines the unique risks that shortages pose in correctional healthcare, and shares practical strategies that providers can use to prepare, respond, and protect patients when critical medications become scarce.

Our discussion is based on a presentation that Chris was slated to give at the NCCHC Spring Conference in New Orleans that he ultimately had to miss. We briefly diverge into the why.

Elsewhere, Chris takes a look at some new FDA approvals for GLP-1s and insulin, a new generic dapagliflozin, and the promising results of a recent clinical trial examining mirtazapine for methamphetamine use disorder. And in Trivia Capsule, we look back at one of the world’s first major drug shortages: quinine in the 17th century.

Full show notes with references here.

Sponsor Links:

www.opticsclinical.com

www.sapphire-health.com

Music in this Episode:

The Retro Synth by Art Haiz

Vitals & Headlines (Suno AI)

Breezy Thoughts (Suno AI)

Trivia Time Ticker (Suno AI)