How Should Critical Medications Be Rationed During Shortages?

Abstract

When any drug is in short supply, it must be rationed. Recent increases in the frequency of shortages require more rationing by clinicians. Most health systems have policies on managing drug shortages, but transparency of criteria according to which specific scarce medications should be rationed-and by whom-are rare. The COVID-19 pandemic offered several examples of clinical and ethical need to develop and implement clear, fair strategies for distributing medications in short supply. Lessons from the pandemic should inform strategies for managing drug shortages now and in the future.