Drug access and affordability

Patient care continues to be undermined by drug shortages. The AADA is engaged with stakeholders, including manufacturers, suppliers, sister societies, other medical specialties, the FDA, and Congress to facilitate access for patient care.

Drugs on the FDA drug shortage list

The FDA reports on drug shortage information frequently reported by manufacturers on its Drug Shortages webpage. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) also publishes drug shortage bulletins that include more detailed commentary on reasons for the shortage. The FDA and ASHP webpages have the most up-to-date supply dates available online.

AADA Actions

The AADA has been actively advocating on several fronts to help increase access to lidocaine and lidocaine with epinephrine.

Congressional outreach

• Supported the Patient Access to Urgent-Use Pharmacy Compounding Act.

• Submitted written testimony to several House and Senate Committees examining drug shortages and supply chain challenges.

• Raised awareness of the consequences of the lidocaine shortage during meetings and events with members of Congress.

• Urged members and patients to contact Congress to address drug shortages through the AADA’s Advocacy Action Center.

Regulatory outreach

• Engaged with FDA on numerous occasions through letters and meetings with the FDA’s office of Drug Shortages.

• Coordinated joint efforts with the American College of Mohs Surgery, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Association, and American Society for Mohs Surgery urging the FDA to take immediate action to address the lidocaine shortage.

• Participated in several FDA listening sessions and outlined the consequences for patients of the escalating problem with the shortage of generic injectable medication.

• Highlighted the challenges for small and rural practices in response to the FTC and HHS request for information on drug shortages.

Manufacturer and stakeholder outreach

• Met with Fresenius Kabi, a manufacturer of lidocaine, and communicated our concerns about the shortages.

• Engaged with Pfizer, another manufacturer of lidocaine, on numerous occasions to address our ongoing concerns and urged immediate relief.

• Joined End Drug Shortage Alliance, a coalition of physicians, hospitals, and manufacturers committed to ending the problem of chronic shortages.

Related Academy resources

• Lidocaine Shortages FAQ (AAD.org)

• Lidocaine Shortage: Ask the Expert (DermWorld January 2023)

• Lidocaine Shortage Update (DermWorld January 2024)

• Navigating Drug Shortages: Strategies and Solutions (DermWorld February 2024)