Senator Schumer Addresses Doxycycline Shortage During Peak Lyme Season

Senator Schumer addressed the growing shortage of doxycycline during an August 12, 2004
press conference in the Hudson Valley, New York. At the time, Lyme disease cases were
rising sharply across the region, raising concern about access to one of the most commonly
prescribed antibiotics for early Lyme disease.

Senator Schumer warned:

“Looming shortage of doxycycline, an antibiotic used to treat Lyme disease, is sending
the price of the drug skyrocketing during one of the worst Lyme seasons. The Senator
called on the FDA to investigate the situation and proactively address drug shortages.”

“Lyme disease is increasing throughout the Hudson Valley and across New York State.
There were already more cases than the previous year, with projections exceeding earlier
records. Access to doxycycline—a medication that can help prevent high-risk tick bites
from progressing to chronic Lyme disease—is essential. The price of doxycycline has
soared, reportedly due to a potential nationwide shortage. While neither the FDA nor
manufacturers had officially declared a shortage, the situation threatened treatment
options for residents, particularly in Dutchess County, which reported at least 10,000
Lyme cases over the previous decade.”

Senator Schumer urged the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate the price
increases and take steps to stabilize the supply.

Media Coverage Highlights the Impact of the Doxycycline Shortage

Reporting by The Journal News described the real-world consequences of the
doxycycline shortage, including dramatic price increases and limited pharmacy access.
Specific examples were documented in the following report:

https://www.lohud.com/story/news/health/2014/08/12/lyme-disease-drug-shortage/13980549/

1. “There’s a lot of price gouging going on,” said Stuart Feldman, pharmacist and owner of
   Cross River Pharmacy.
2. Feldman noted that wholesalers once sold 500 generic pills for approximately $60.
   That price reportedly rose to $1,600 for the same quantity.
3. Ira Glotzer of Drug Mart in Suffern reported similar price increases.
4. Dr. Robert Amler, Dr. Daniel Cameron (then President of ILADS), Pat Smith (President of
   the Lyme Disease Association), Jill Aurebach (Chairwoman of the Lyme Disease Association
   of the Hudson Valley), and Rachel Dildilian of Hyde Park spoke in support of Senator
   Schumer’s call for federal action.

Journal News Quotes Emphasize Patient Impact

Additional coverage underscored the burden placed on patients and clinicians:

https://www.lohud.com/story/news/health/2014/08/12/lyme-disease-drug-shortage/13980549/

1. “It is very hard for people to afford it,” said Rachel Dildilian of Hyde Park, who
   leads the Hudson Valley Lyme Disease support group.
2. Dr. Robert Amler urged residents to remain vigilant about tick prevention and seek
   early treatment.
3. Dr. Daniel Cameron, a Mount Kisco physician specializing in Lyme disease, emphasized
   the importance of early treatment.
4. “If you don’t, the price is a steep one,” Dr. Cameron said.