Click on the links below to view the latest news stories related to drug utilization during the COVID-19 pandemic.
More drug shortages are inevitable unless we act now
While we are aware of shifting drug utilization patterns, the extent and effect on patients and health system costs in Canada remains unexplored. We have no idea how many people are affected by drug shortages in Canada.
October 19, 2020 | The Globe and Mail | News Article
Ontarians stockpiled prescription medications at beginning of pandemic, according to new drug monitoring tool
In mid-March, Ontarians stockpiled inhalers and there was a 19.2 per cent spike in the dispensing of Hydroxychloroquine, a malaria medication promoted as a possible treatment for COVID-19 that has since proven to be ineffective, according to a new interactive tool launched Thursday by scientists at the Ontario Drug Policy Research Network.
October 15, 2020 | Media Release
Ontario family doctors warn early supply drying up as they see surge in demand for flu shot
The data shows a 21 per cent jump in demand for flu shots in the 2019-20 season, which overlapped with the start of the coronavirus pandemic, as compared to the year before. “We feel it’s probably predicting what we’ll see in the second wave — the demand in pharmacies and clinics,” said Mina Tadrous, a scientist at Women’s College Hospital and an investigator with ODPRN.
October 15, 2020 | CBC News | News Article
What can COVID-19 teach us about drug shortages during a global emergency?
“The complexity and scope of this issue requires us to apply a comprehensive and collaborative approach that incorporates global insights and comparisons. Our team aims to develop an international consortium which will provide us with the opportunity to develop a common approach to drug shortages and global insights,” explained Tadrous. “Our research will help to inform risk mitigation strategies going forward with application for policy, formulary development, procedure and pricing.”
July 23, 2020 | Women’s College Hospital | Press Release
Drug supply chain could still be interrupted because of COVID-19
“We don’t have any deep understanding of the drug supply across this country … It’s a national issue that we should be all teaming up and trying to do together.”
May 5, 2020 | CBC News | News Article
Coronavirus a ‘wake-up call’ for Canada’s prescription drug supply
Mina Tadrous is a pharmacist and researcher in Toronto who monitors pharmaceutical supplies. He said pharmacists are concerned about drugs such as life-saving inhalers that people might stockpile based on misinformation circulating about potential treatments for COVID-19.
March 27, 2020 | CBC News | News Article