Out of Stock? Not Out of Options. by Steve Bond, BScPhm, RPh, CDE Yurek Pharmacy & Home Healthcare Drug shortages have become increa- singly common and many patients in Ontario have experienced the frustration of finding their usual medication un- available. At any given time there can be
1500 to 2000 active drug shortages in our country. In many instances, these shortages are temporary, and the patient isn’t even aware of them. These shortages can happen for several reasons — manufacturing delays, supply chain issues, sudden increases in demand, or shortages of raw ingredients. While the cause is often outside local pharmacies’ control, your pharmacist plays an important role in helping you stay on track with your treatment. When a shortage occurs, we begin by checking all available suppliers and nearby pharmacies to locate your medication. If it truly isn’t accessible, we review your prescription to determine whether an equivalent product is available. This may include a different brand, strength, formulation, or a safe therapeutic alternative. We work directly and cooperatively with your pres- criber to recommend the best substitute based on your condition, allergies, and previous treatment history. Another way to manage a shortage is by compounding a medication. A great example of this happened two years ago -- the liquid antibiotic, amoxicillin, was in short supply. This occurred when the demand was high, at the start of winter.
While many liquid antibiotics exist, they may not always be the ideal choice. We were able to make a delicious formulation of liquid amoxicillin using the capsules, which were in good supply. This allowed us to make sure that children were cared for while the backorder was active -- around six months. We also help you understand how to use the alternative correctly and what differences — if any — you can expect. Our goal is always to maintain your health while minimizing disruptions. If you’re ever unsure about a substitution or worried about a shortage, don’t hesitate to ask. Your pharmacist is your best resource for navigating these challenges confidently. Take care of yourselves and each other.
Hometown St. Thomas • Jan-Feb 2026 • Page 29
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