Fred Fischer is on several medications because of an enlarged heart but has stopped spironolactone due to a national shortage. “I went to refill it again and found out they were having trouble even getting it. That was when the pharmacist advised me there was a shortage, and if they had to outsource from their normal supplier, the price was going to be steep again,” said Fischer. “At that point, my doctor told me, ‘You can go off to that particular one.’” The drug is used to improve heart health. “It’s used in patients with heart disease and specifically heart failure. When people have been diagnosed with heart failure, where there’s a pump problem or other types of heart failure, it’s used to manage the condition and specifically used to help reduce the risk for dying or being hospitalized,” said Dr. Justin Ezekowitz, cardiologist. Spironolactone is supplied by four companies in Canada. Two are reporting shortages because of manufacturing disruptions, and a third is reporting a shortage because of increased demand. “As a result, spironolactone may not always be available,” a Health Canada statement said. Experts warn against buying unlicensed or unverified products. Instead, people should talk to their doctors about alternatives. “There are several medications that are very similar, not identical, but can be used as a replacement or even a short-term or longer-term replacement to be considered,” said Ezekowitz. The shortages should resolve by the end of the month, according to Health Canada.
