Prescription drug shortages leave Surrey man ‘frustrated’

A nationwide prescription drug shortage has left one Surrey man dealing with a chronic nasal condition uncomfortable and frustrated.

Amandeep Hayer has sinusitis, which he says is like a “nasal version of asthma.” To deal with the condition, he takes Budesonide, a corticosteroid also used to treat asthma.

He says since last June, he has had difficulty getting a steady supply of his medication. It has prompted his doctor to prescribe other treatments, including using a saline rinse with small amounts of other drugs.

“I’m just doing more of those throughout the day and I’m getting more sinus infections. Which, in turn, makes me more likely to have nasal pileups, which in turn makes it more likely for me to have surgery. So, it’s not something I’m enjoying at the moment,” he explained.

“It’s basically them putting me on alternative medicine which isn’t as effective.”

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Hayer says without his medication, he gets sick more frequently and has trouble breathing.

“This is my situation. I know there are other drugs that aren’t available which are much more serious. Mine’s just discomfort. I can’t imagine what other people are going through,” he said.

While working as a lawyer, he says he often has to rinse out his sinuses before meeting with clients so his condition doesn’t flare up at inopportune times.

“It’s not something that is sustainable,” he noted.

According to the Canadian Pharmacists Association, a quarter of Canadians are impacted by ongoing drug shortages, of which there are over 2,000 reported yearly.

“Drug shortages increase the risk of medication errors, adverse events, and patient non-adherence and they can cause considerable stress and anxiety for both patients and pharmacists,” its website states.

For Hayer, he’s been left perplexed as to how to address the situation, at times considering getting his medication from friends who travel to other countries.

“We live in a first-world country, you don’t expect to see these kinds of shortages,” he noted.

“I don’t know what the government can do about this unless they want to get into the business of manufactured drugs.”