The FDA launched a new mobile application that allows users to share and obtain information about drug shortages, Modern Healthcare reports.

Details of App

The app, which is available at no cost on iTunes and Google Play, is part of an FDA plan to mitigate drug shortages.

Through the mobile app, users can identify:

• Current drug shortages;
• Drug discontinuations; and
• Resolved shortages.

To identify such information, users can search for a drug's generic name or active ingredient, or they can search by therapeutic category (Ross Johnson, Modern Healthcare, 3/4). In addition, users can report suspected drug shortages or supply issues to FDA.

Valerie Jensen, associate director of drug shortage staff at FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, said, "FDA understands that health care professionals and pharmacists need real-time information about drug shortages to make treatment decision," adding, "The new mobile app is an innovative tool that will offer easier and faster access to important drug shortage information" (AHA News, 3/4).

According to FDA spokesperson Christopher Kelly, FDA plans to release additional apps for stakeholders to access other information (Modern Healthcare, 3/4).