For the first time since the
coronavirus outbreak began, the Food and Drug Administration has reported a
shortage of a medicine due to a manufacturing “issue” with an active
pharmaceutical ingredient “related to a site affected by coronavirus.” However,
the agency did not disclose the name of the medicine, prompting criticism over
concerns the lack of information can make it difficult to plan for patient
needs.
In a statement issued Thursday night, the FDA explained that an unnamed manufacturer
reported a shortage, but did not provide any further details. The statement
added that “it is important to note that there are other alternatives that can
be used by patients,” and that the FDA is working with the company and other
manufacturers to mitigate the shortage.
The failure to release the
name of the drug, however, raised hackles.
It’s “absolutely ridiculous to
release something like this without the drug name,” tweeted Erin Fox, who
tracks shortages and directs the drug-information service at University of Utah
Health Care, which has four hospitals.