The Canadian Pharmacists Association says COVID-19 continues to be a threat to Canada's drug supply and is worried about dramatic increases and volatility in the number of reported drug shortages.
In the months leading up to March, the government's mandatory drug shortage website had been listing about five new shortages a day. The number of shortages reported to the database has climbed steadily throughout March, but has increased dramatically in the last few weeks.
From March 24 to April 7, an average 11.6 shortages were reported to the database each day. During the week of March 31 to April 7, the number increased to 15.9 shortages per day. Although these do not necessarily translate to shortages at the pharmacy level, it is an “alarming trend,” said the association.
"These shortages affect a broad number of medications used for a variety of different diseases and indications," said Barry Power, senior director, Digital Content, Canadian Pharmacists Association. "We've seen a spike in the number of medications listed on the government drug shortage website in the past few weeks which makes it difficult to predict how these will affect Canada's drug supply as the global pandemic evolves."
Health Canada has also said the demand for inhalers used for asthma and COPD in the last few months has increased significantly as have certain medications used in intensive care units, including sedatives and muscle relaxants.
Also on the list of shortages is Hydroxychloroquine, which has been touted by some to cure COVID-19. The pharmacist association says while there is currently no evidence to suggest that this medication is a cure for COVID-19, the increased demand is now making it difficult for patients who rely on this drug for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.
