Drug shortages hit highest number since 2001, impacting patients, hospitals and pharmacies WFTV [Video]

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Christina Shreeve said her son has been living Crohn’s disease for almost 6 years.

“When we got that diagnosis it was terrifying and life changing,” said Shreeve with Angels for Change.

Recently, she said one of her son’s monthly IV medications went into short supply.

“It’s very frustrating because it’s difficult to reach remission with this disease and once you find that magic combination, you want to stick with it as long as possible,” said Shreeve.

Her family isn’t the only one affected by these changes.

There were 323 drug shortages during the first quarter of 2024, the highest number since 2001, according to the University of Utah Drug Information Service. This includes chemotherapy drugs, painkillers, and medications with impacts to pharmacies, clinics, and hospitals.

“Some of those products are very, very critical things that are on like the crash cart, the code blue cart, where time is of the …