Trump's tariffs are causing serious drug shortages. This is what that looks like firsthand

"The government's ongoing investigation into the national security implications of importing pharmaceuticals and pharmaceutical ingredients is widely understood as a precursor to sector-specific tariffs, which a White House advisor has said are likely. On the other hand, the administration recently issued a new executive order laying the groundwork for tariff exemptions for some pharmaceutical products imported from countries that reach trade agreements with the United States."

"But I already know firsthand what a drug shortage looks like. I am the CEO of Oar Health, a company that helps people struggling with alcohol misuse get access to prescription medication to drink less or quit. And naltrexone, the recommended frontline medication for treating alcohol use disorder, has been in shortage for more than a year. Here's what I've learned:"

"Throughout the naltrexone shortage, I have heard from patients who have found medication critical to their recoveries. But instead of celebrating and building upon their progress, they were worried about continuing their treatment. Retail and mail order pharmacies alike told patients that they could not refill their prescriptions nor provide a reliable estimate of when they would. Patients documented their experience and concern in social media posts."

Tariff proposals and an ongoing government investigation into pharmaceutical imports are likely to increase shortages of essential medications. An executive order creates a pathway for tariff exemptions for products from countries that reach trade agreements with the United States. Manufacturers, pharmacists, doctors, patients, and digital health companies face uncertainty about supply and access. Naltrexone, the frontline medication for alcohol use disorder, has been in shortage for more than a year. Patients reliant on naltrexone report inability to refill prescriptions and lack of reliable timing from retail and mail-order pharmacies. Patients documented shortages and concern on social media. Long-term medication users report anxiety about losing an effective treatment tool.

Read at Fast Company