 |
 |
Published by: Pharmacotherapy News Network About PNN Pharmacotherapy Line Order Form More Articles -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Drug Supply a Chief Y2K Concern with Consumers 24 September 1999: While most people are worrying whether they can draw money out of ATMs or fly home on New Year's Day 2000, patients on critical medications are concerned about the adequacy of the supply of pharmaceuticals in January. In a Congressional briefing on the subject on Wednesday, pharmacists and bankers were the first two groups named for consumers to ask about their Y2K readiness. The Pharmaceutical Alliance for Y2K Readiness has been formed in response to such concerns. It is assuring the public of a substantial supply of medications during the Y2K date change and asking people not to overbuy medications in preparation for Y2K. The Alliance is a coalition of drug manufacturers, wholesale distributors, pharmacies, and health care organizations. The Alliance recommends that consumers refill prescription medications as they normally would, when they have a five-to seven-day supply remaining. "There should be no need for patients to obtain extra medication in preparation for Y2K," said D. Ted Lewers, chair of the AMA Board of Trustees. "We are confident there will be no disruptions in the flow of medications during the Y2K date change. As physicians, we are committed to informing and reassuring our patients that normal procedures for obtaining and refilling prescriptions should be followed." The Pharmaceutical Alliance for Y2K Readiness is working closely with federal officials such as the President's Council on Year 2000 Conversion, Senate Special Committee on the Year 2000 Technology Problem, FDA, Department of Health and Human Services, Federal Trade Commission, and Department of Veterans Affairs to prepare for the Y2K transition. Current FDA data indicate that more than 97% of pharmaceutical companies are Y2K ready or will be Y2K ready by the end of the third quarter of 1999. The data also show that a majority of pharmaceutical companies have developed and tested contingency plans to handle failures among key business partners, including foreign suppliers. The Alliance, which can reached at www.y2kmedication. com or 202/969-0621, recommends these five steps to consumers concerning Y2K: Keep up to date on getting refills. It is advisable to get a normal refill of your medication when you have a five-to seven-day supply of medication remaining. If you order medications through the mail, allow a few extra days for mail handling, as you normally would. Maintain a list of prescription and important nonprescription medications you and your family take. Create a personal health record for you and your family including drug allergies, existing medical conditions, past medical treatments, and physician contact information. Keep records of your insurance claims and carry your current insurance card with you. For more information about drugs mentioned in this article, refer to the appropriate listing in PharmInfoNet's DrugDB. http://pharminfo.com/pubs/pnn/pnn45_1.html