To the Editor: After our recently published article1 and subsequent criticism2 that shortages in benzylpenicillin were a “storm in a teacup”, we would like to detail the increasing number of drug shortages at John Hunter Hospital. Not only does this pose increasing costs to pharmacy but there are escalating threats to patient care.
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- 1. Quilty S, Harris LM, Kewley J, et al. A Pandora’s box: sustainable pharmaceutical supply. Med J Aust 2011; 195: 510-511. <MJA full text>
- 2. ABC Radio. New penicillin sourced but worries over supply continue [transcript]. PM. 29 Sep 2011. http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2011/s3329037.htm (accessed Jan 2012).
- 3. Chabner B. Drug shortages — a critical challenge for the generic-drug market. N Engl J Med 2011; 365: 2147-2149.
- 4. Gatesman M, Smith T. The shortage of essential chemotherapy drugs in the United States. N Engl J Med 2011; 365: 1653-1655.
- 5. NSW Department of Health Clinical Safety, Quality and Governance Branch. Safety Notice 022/09. Safe use of midazolam. http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/resources/quality/sabs/pdf/sn_22_09.pdf (accessed Jan 2012).
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