Today the FDA launched a mobile app that allows the public to access information about drug shortages. The development of this app is part of the FDA’s Strategic Plan for Preventing and Mitigating Drug Shortages. Information provided in the app includes current drug shortages, resolved shortages and drug product discontinuations. During drug shortages patients and their health care providers might need to turn to an alternative drug that may be less effective or higher risk. The goal of this new app is to provide patients, providers and pharmacists real-time information about drug shortages so they have time to make treatment decisions.
Drugs can be searched by their generic name, active ingredient or therapeutic category. The app can also be used to report a possible drug shortage or other issues to the FDA. The app can be downloaded by searching for “FDA Drug Shortages” and is available for Apple and Android users.
