House GOP Launches Probe Into FDA’s Response To Prescription Drug Shortages

(DailyVantage.com) – The House GOP recently noticed a shortage in prescription drugs and has launched a probe into the Food and Drug Administration’s response to the problem.

Robert Califf, the FDA Commissioner, received a letter from the House Oversight and Accountability Committee asking for paperwork and an employee conference by November 9th to understand the administration’s duties to help prevent drug shortages. The GOP also wants to know how the FDA deals with drug shortages when they occur. The committee expects to secure all documents on the matter by November 16th.

The FDA has responded to the House and said they have read the letter and plan to comply with the request.

At the beginning of the year, children’s ibuprofen and acetaminophen were found to be scarce. Right now, the FDA is aware of about 130 drug shortages. Some medications that are in short supply include Adderall, amoxicillin, some cancer drugs, and acetaminophen.

The Republican representatives said the FDA has been having drug shortage problems even before the worldwide outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. They also said the Food and Drug Administration is “failing to ensure vitally important pharmaceuticals” remain well-stocked for those who are in most need of them.

There are many factors to consider when tackling the drug shortage problem. Generic lines of medicine are not being produced in the same quantities as they once were. America also relies heavily on drug-making facilities overseas, and the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in drug supply delays. Requests for medicine have also been on the rise.

At the beginning of the year, the FDA allowed non-FDA-approved cancer medications to be shipped into the United States from China to offset the shortages experienced by pharmaceutical businesses and consumers.

A representative from the agency said the agency cannot force pharmaceutical companies to reallocate their drug distributions. They also do not force drug manufacturers to make a drug or change the quantity of drugs they produce. The spokesperson also said the FDA is working hard to understand the drug shortages to prevent future inadequacies.

James Comer, Chairman of the House Committee, and Lisa McClain, Chairman of the health subcommittee, have both signed the letter given to the FDA. They plan on being briefed by the FDA on November 9th, and they say they expect to receive all requested documents one week later.

Copyright 2023, DailyVantage.com