Shortage of Breast Cancer Drug Scary for Breast Cancer Patients

Did you know there could be a shortage of drugs you need to save your life? I bet most people would answer "No." However, anytime there is a product, there is also supply and demand to be considered; someone has to manufacture a product and make it available for consumers. It only makes sense medication falls into this same process, but it seems like there would be a more efficient process to ensure demand for a medication is met in order to supply patients with an essential medication. Personally, I knew drugs can be short and have to be back ordered or gotten from another manufacturer, but I did not know Taxol was on this list.

Taxol, also known generically as paclitaxel, is a major player in chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer patients. Without paclitaxel many women could die or suffer recurrence of breast cancer. So, a shortage of paclitaxel is a HUGE deal to women who will develop breast cancer and may affect women currently undergoing treatment. Here in Tampa Bay I have not heard of any shortages, but around the country in smaller communities some patients are being forced to drive elsewhere to obtain paclitaxel. As it stands now, larger institutions are using several manufacturers in order to keep up with the need for paclitaxel for their patients undergoing treatment. Some centers are keeping a "stash" of paclitaxel in case of a drought of this medication.

Have any of you experienced the paclitaxel shortage or do you know of someone who has? If so, let me know. Keep your eyes peeled for more posts here on my blog about the latest and greatest in breast cancer news/information. Don't forget to go to facebook.com and like My Breast Cancer Answers fan page (everyone else is doing it :))To read my full article please click the link below.

http://www.mybreastcanceranswers.com/the-latest-and-greatest-news/taxol-...

For those of you new readers, please go to www.mybreastcanceranswers.com to get the latest breast cancer news, information, and resources. Don’t be scared now… just click the big pink button that says forum and you can join the site as a member for free. Look forward to contests and giveaways that only members can have access to.

We fight better when we fight together!

Your Friend,

Heather Flanagan