The Challenges of Chemotherapy Drug Shortages: The Oncology Pharmacist’s Perspective and Opportunities for Mitigation

Program Description
In recent months, the United States and countries across the globe have been experiencing ongoing shortages of several critical chemotherapy agents. Oncology pharmacists are central to ensuring that patients with cancer receive the necessary treatments and must understand the impact of drug shortages on patient care. There are a multitude of challenges that affect production and manufacturing processes and that can contribute to drug shortages. Short-term and long-term mitigation strategies require pharmacist collaboration with local and/or national organizations to alleviate the burden of chemotherapy drug shortages. Oncology pharmacists must be familiar with the drug distribution system to understand strategic solutions for improving the pharmaceutical supply chain. This article will suggest strategies oncology pharmacists may consider to improve processes within their practice settings to address and plan for current and future chemotherapy drug shortages.

Target audience: Pharmacists

Type of activity: Knowledge
Learner level: Foundational

Release date: August 1, 2023
Expiration date: August 1, 2024

Time to complete activity: 1.0 hour
Fee: Free

Educational Objectives

At the completion of this activity, participants will be able to:

• Outline challenges in oncology pharmacy due to current chemotherapy shortages and projected trends
• Study the impact of chemotherapy drug shortages on treatment options, subsequent regimen changes, patient safety, and health care resources
• Recognize solutions to mitigate current chemotherapy shortages, ease the burden of future shortages on health care resources, and minimize impact to patients receiving cancer treatment

Pharmacy Times Continuing Education™ is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. This activity is approved for 1.0 contact hour (0.10 CEU) under the ACPE universal activity number 0290-0000-23-315-H01-P. The activity is available for CE credit through August 1, 2024.

Instructions for Completing the Activity and Receiving CPE Credit

To receive CPE credit, participants must complete the pretest, view the activity in its entirety, complete the posttest, and complete the online activity evaluation. After successful completion of the online activity evaluation, you can submit your credit to CPE Monitor. You may view your credit within 48 hours at www.mycpemonitor.net. All participants must request credit before the activity expiration date. CE credit will not be issued after this date

Disclosures

The following contributors have no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose:

Faculty

Andrea Ledford, PharmD, CPh, MBA, BCOP, BCSCP, FHOPA

Medical Writing and Editorial Support

Evelina Kolychev, PharmD, BCOP

Pharmacy Times Continuing Education™ Planning Staff—Jim Palatine, RPh, MBA; Amy H. Seung, PharmD, BCOP, FHOPA, CHCP; Evelina Kolychev, PharmD, BCOP; Abigail Dill; Susan Pordon; Brianna Winters; and Chloe Taccetta.

An anonymous peer reviewer was used as part of content validation and conflict resolution. The peer reviewer has no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose.

Educational Disclaimer
CPE activities are offered solely for educational purposes and do not constitute any form of professional advice or referral. Discussions concerning drugs, dosages, and procedures may reflect the clinical experience of the author(s) or they may be derived from the professional literature or other sources and may suggest uses that are investigational in nature and not approved labeling or indications. Participants are encouraged to refer to primary references or full prescribing information resources.

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