Q. Is the distribution system working at maximum capacity, or is it being strained?

Q. Are you experiencing any shortages in the supply of antivirals?

Q. What are HDMA distributors doing in response to reports of potential shortages of medical supplies such as gloves, masks, etc.?

Q. What are you doing to prevent unnecessary hoarding?

Q.  As demand for specific product increases, is possible price gouging a concern?

Q.  How are distributors protecting against counterfeit antivirals? 

Q. Is the distribution system working at maximum capacity, or is it being strained?
A: Our nation’s highly efficient healthcare distribution system is working well.  The system routinely delivers millions of life-saving medicines each business day and during situations like the one we are facing now.   We are in constant communication and working closely with our supply chain partners and government officials.  We will remain flexible and be prepared to adapt as the situation unfolds.

Q. Are you experiencing any shortages in the supply of antivirals? (updated 9/24/09)
A: At this time, HDMA distributor members report that adequate supplies of antivirals are currently available to meet prescription demand, with shipments being received regularly from manufacturers. We will respond swiftly according to changes in the situation.  HDMA distributor members will continue to work with government officials and our supply chain partners to ensure that antivirals and other medicines are available, accessible and delivered to meet prescription demand.  

Update, 9/24/09: Roche recently  issued guidance with respect to the availability of certain forms of Tamiflu®, including oral suspension , 30mg capsules and 45 mg capsules, Roche has provided pharmacists with directions for compounding a suspension using 75mg capsules to meet demand for Tamiflu® oral suspension.

Q. What are HDMA distributors doing in response to reports of potential shortages of medical supplies such as gloves, masks, etc.?
A: Distributors are continuing to work with manufacturers and providers as well as federal, state and local health officials to deliver available product to meet public health demand.  As we do during all public health emergencies, distributors are carefully monitoring orders and continuing to encourage their customers to follow government public health guidance regarding responsible facemask and respirator use.  Distributors are seeing an increased demand for certain personal protective supplies, particularly masks.  In some cases, HDMA distributor members may be subject to purchasing limits as manufacturers ramp up their production capacities to meet increased domestic and international demands.  We will respond swiftly according to changes in the situation.    

Q. What are you doing to prevent unnecessary hoarding?
A: Distributors are carefully monitoring orders and working directly with customers to reconfirm unusually large orders to ensure product availability for patients most in need.  As they do during all public health emergencies, HDMA distributor members are working with pharmacies and other healthcare provider customers to encourage responsible treatment of patients in accordance with CDC guidelines and to prevent individuals or health care organizations from hoarding supplies that could be critically needed elsewhere.  Decisions on prescribing medications should always be left to health care providers and their patients. 

Q.  As demand for specific product increases, is possible price gouging a concern?
A: We have not received reports of price gouging, but that question is probably best posed to state or federal law enforcement officials.  However, history tells us that when demand exceeds supply (actual or perceived), unscrupulous parties may enter the market.  This risk is enhanced when patients seek medicines from unlicensed and unregulated internet-based sources.  Patients should rely upon only licensed physicians and pharmacies when seeking medical care to treat the H1N1 influenza A virus.  The US FDA has recently cautioned consumers to avoid seeking medications from unscrupulous, unregulated, and illegal sources.  (http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2009/NEW02007.html)

Q.  How are distributors protecting against counterfeit antivirals? 
A: HDMA distributor members have rigorous security measures in place and will continue to cooperate with law enforcement and antiviral manufacturers to make sure supplies remain secure.  FDA has issued a warning to patients about fraudulent 2009 H1N1 Influenza products.  Unfortunately, when demand exceeds supply (actual or perceived) unscrupulous parties may enter the market.  Patients should rely upon only licensed physicians and pharmacies when seeking medical care to treat the H1N1 influenza virus.