A challenge for healthcare but just another opportunity for illegitimate online sellers: Dubious market of shortage oncology drugs.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Drug shortages mean a challenge to healthcare systems. Exposed patients or health care providers may seek alternative resources for these products online. The purpose of our study was to analyze the online availability of oncology shortage drugs at national and at international levels in 2014 and 2016.

Methods

We tested the online accessibility of oncology shortage drugs by simulating the Internet search method of patients. Search results were evaluated according to operational, distributional, and patient safety characteristics.

Results

In 2014 and 2016 all (100%) antineoplastic agents affected by shortages were available on the Internet without medical prescription. The number of relevant websites among search engine results has decreased from 112 to 98

SUBMITTER: Fittler A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6112670 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature