Tamoxifen Shortage – What You Need To Know
Blog photo credit: Kratom IQ
There is a lot of buzz going around about Tamoxifen shortages in Canada. We’ve consulted the experts and here are the four things you need to know now.
- Get beyond the headlines. There have been some really alarming and scary headlines floating around. But the fact is Tamoxifen is still available, there is just less of it. To help everyone get through the temporary shortage, patients may only get 30-days of their prescriptions at a time. If you are concerned, it’s recommended to visit your pharmacy early – pharmacists are working with others to share supply, but it could take a little extra time.
- Drug shortages happen. While the idea that your drug is under a temporary shortage may seem unthinkable, this can happen for a variety of reasons. Sometimes there is an increased demand for the treatment or raw materials are in short supply and delay manufacturing. When there are national shortages, Health Canada works with stakeholders to coordinate and identify strategies to mitigate the issue. However, as with so many other drug shortages, it may be time for better upfront prevention measures.
- Speak to your doctor. If you’re having trouble filling your prescriptions or want to discuss your options, your physician is the right person to talk to. Each patient’s needs are different depending on individual risk and type of cancer. You may discuss an alternative treatment or a temporary pause in treatment. It’s important to know that Tamoxifen keeps working in the body for a few weeks after the last pill.
- Stay calm. It is really scary to hear there is a drug shortage. But we want you to remember that Canada hasn’t run out of Tamoxifen, and there is a plan in place to get more. In fact, Health Canada has announced the shortage is expected to be resolved in December, earlier than first expected. And remember, if you’re worried, your physician is the best source of information for you.
Want to learn more about tamoxifen? Read here.
