title: [Drug shortage: determinants, consequences and management].
abstract: The present study analyzes drug shortage as a problem reaching beyond the logistic aspect of the health field and discusses its consequences with respect to quality, safety and cost of health care delivery. The pharmaceutical supply chain and the factors that determine the distribution and availability of drugs are discussed. The contribution of the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee in preventing and managing drug shortage in health institutions is stressed and measures for drug shortage management are suggested. Finally it is emphasized that drugs should be considered health products rather than consumer goods and as such be given a different treatment by the supply chain.
authors.affiliation: Agéncia Nacional de Vigiláncia Sanitária, Núcleo de Gestão do Sistema Sacional de Notificação e lnvestigação em Vigilância Sanitária, Geréncia de Farmacovigilância, SEPN 515, Bloco B, Edifício Omega, 2 andar/sala 2, Asa Norte. 70770-502 Brasilia DF. amreis@farmacia.ufmg.br
authors.forename: Adriano Max Moreira
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Reis
authors.forename: Edson
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Perini
mesh_terms: D001938:Brazil; D004345:Drug Industry / Q000458:organization & administration; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations / Q000600:supply & distribution*
chemical_list: D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations