The U.S. is experiencing one of the worst nationwide drug shortages it has seen in past 25 years.
According to the University of Utah Drug Information Service, there were 323 active drug shortages in the early months of this year. That's the highest number since 2001.
Data is collected from health-care professionals, mainly pharmacists, on a quarterly basis. Drug companies are then contacted for more information on why and how long a shortage could last.
David Balat, CEO of Healthcare Finance Specialists, told KTRH News that there are multiple reasons for the drug shortage and most of them come from a financial state.
"Our patent issues with the FDA and the manufacturers and then also the group-purchasing organizations and the pharmacy managers create a chokepoint in the supply chain," said Balat.
This has limited the amount of drugs that are available for people who need them most. There are people who are benefiting financially from these shortages too.
"When you have a shortage things get more expensive," Balat added.
Commonly-prescribed antibiotics, medications and pain medications are shorthanded. There are even shortages for some "life-saving" drugs, according to Balat.
"Doctors have had to find alternatives for when these could've been available," he said. "Unfortunately, there's a number of reasons that have limited these drugs and their availability in the hospitals.