Methotrexate shortage

[genko_b]

The New York Times reported that within 2 weeks many hospitals expect to run out of the methotrexate that is used as an injection, particularly the preservative-free type used for childhood leukemia. I wasn't clear from reading the article how the shortage affects the standard tablets.

I've been of the methotrexate for over a month now, and may not go back on it, if it turns out to have caused the lung damage I'm experiencing. I'm wondering what others have heard from their pharmacists.

Genko

[Carebear]

Hi Genko,

We've been experiencing a shortage of Methotrexate and folic acid here for a few months now. 

[artsyamerican]

They can have mine! I decided not to take it anymore after reading the stuff about lungs!!

[eye2dry]

In dermatology we can't give methylprednisolone injections or prescribe tetracycline d/t shortages of these drugs.

Who has made these shortages? Who is behind this?

eye2dry

[irish]

This goes on with methotrexate all the time. The way I understand it there are so many people on the drug plus they switch from pill to the injection. This sets the injections up for shortages. Its happened before and it will happen again, I am guessing. Irish

[Joe S.]

The book "Pharmocracy" may explain some of the reasons. If I were to bet, I would have to put my money on greed. History has shown that to constantly be a factor.

[lori]

Im with Joe!!!

I take the pilss.. actually do better on oral which is not the norm...

lori

[A66eyroad]

I agree with Joe --- follow the money (or the lack thereof...) This medicine is generic and therefore doesn't make the pharmaceutical companies as rich as the name brands do.

I understand the same thing is going on with generic Plaquenil and other generics. The Big Pharma doesn't waste time or machinery making medicines that don't bring in the dough.

[Parched]

Local newsjust discussed this shortage tonight.  They referenced the injectable, but I would assume pill form may also be involved.   

News stated there is only one company manufacturing the drug and they are currently shut down due to a quality control issue.

They also stated the reason for only one manufacturer was due to no profit in making the drug.

A child oncologist also discussed this stating how upsetting it is to tell a parent with this drug their child's cure rate is 90% with another drug maybe only 60% cure rate.

This is US and the money comes before saving a child's life?  Leaves a lot of questions on the mind about the state of our country...

[malew/sjogrens]

Does Methotrexate even really work for Sjogren's? I tried it for 4+ months and it did nothing for me.