Rationing and Shortages: The Growing Crisis of Drug Supply in the US

Drug shortages in the United States are approaching record levels, with hundreds of medications in short supply, including cancer drugs. The White House and Congress are seeking solutions to address the underlying causes of the faltering generic drug market, which accounts for about 90 percent of domestic prescriptions. The scarcity of generic forms of chemotherapy to treat lung, breast, bladder, and ovarian cancers has only heightened concerns. The American Cancer Society warns that delays caused by the shortages could result in worse outcomes for patients.