Breathing Easy Becomes a Struggle as Albuterol Shortage Sparks Concern for Asthma Patients in USA

The shortage of liquid albuterol, a drug used to treat patients with breathing easy take problems, has raised concerns among doctors and patients in the United States. With no immediate solution in sight, medical professionals are turning to alternatives to provide relief to patients suffering from asthma and other respiratory issues.
The Shortage and its Impact
According to the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, liquid albuterol has been in short supply since the summer of 2022, and the drug has been on the FDA’s shortage list since October. The situation worsened after a major supplier, Akorn Operating Company, which produced albuterol products for continuous nebulizer treatment, filed for bankruptcy in 2020 and shut down its operations last fall. This has exacerbated the shortage, leaving hospitals with just one major domestic producer of liquid albuterol, Nephron Pharmaceuticals.
Alternative Treatments
In the absence of liquid albuterol, medical professionals are turning to other pharmaceuticals to provide relief for sufferers of asthma and other respiratory issues. The Mayo Clinic suggests the drug levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA) as a possible alternative. Unlike albuterol, which is a short-acting beta agonist (SABA), levalbuterol is a long-acting beta-agonist (LABA) that can provide relief for up to 12 hours after administration.
Impact on Patients
The shortage of albuterol is particularly concerning, given that it comes at a time when hospitals are already grappling with increased demand for respiratory medications due to the COVID-19 pandemic, flu season, and spring allergy season. Patients who rely on albuterol as a rescue medication may face difficulties in managing their symptoms, potentially leading to emergency hospitalizations.
Conclusion
The shortage of liquid albuterol is one of several supply chain-related concerns that have beset hospitals in recent years, underscoring the need for a more strategic approach to managing drug supplies. As medical professionals explore alternative treatments, patients with respiratory issues are urged to consult their doctors for guidance on managing their symptoms.