FDA: Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration launched the agency’s
first mobile application (app) specifically designed to speed public
access to valuable information about drug shortages.
The app identifies current drug shortages, resolved shortages and discontinuations of drug products.
Drugs
in short supply can delay or deny needed care for patients. Drug
shortages may also lead health care professionals to rely on alternative
drug products, which may be less effective or associated with higher
risks than the drug in shortage.
“The FDA understands that health
care professionals and pharmacists need real-time information about drug
shortages to make treatment decisions,” said Valerie Jensen, associate
director of the Drug Shortage Staff in the FDA’s Center for Drug
Evaluation and Research. “The new mobile app is an innovative tool that
will offer easier and faster access to important drug shortage
information.”
App users can search or browse by a drug’s generic
name or active ingredient, and browse by therapeutic category. The app
can also be used to report a suspected drug shortage or supply issue to
the FDA.
The agency developed the drug shortages app to improve
access to information about drug shortages, as part of the FDA’s efforts
outlined in the Strategic Plan for Preventing and Mitigating Drug Shortages.
The app is available for free download via iTunes (for Apple devices) and the Google Play store (for Android devices) by searching “FDA Drug Shortages.”
The
FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,
protects the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and
security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological
products for human use, and medical devices. The agency also is
responsible for the safety and security of our nation’s food supply,
cosmetics, dietary supplements, products that give off electronic
radiation, and for regulating tobacco products.
