Senator Schumer joins the Lyme disease community in addressing oral antibiotic shortages

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Ira Aurebach, Pat Smith, Rachel Dildilian, Senator Schumer, Dr. Robert Amler, Dr. Daniel Cameron and Jill Aurebach

Senator Schumer addressed the shortage of doxycycline in his August 12, 2004 press conference in the Hudson Valley, New York. His comment included the following

“LOOMING SHORTAGE OF DOXYCYCLINE, AN ANTIBIOTIC USED TO TREAT LYME DISEASE, IS SENDING PRICE OF DRUG SKYROCKETING DURING ONE OF WORST LYME SEASONS – SENATOR CALLS ON FDA TO INVESTIGATE CURRENT SITUATION, PROACTIVELY ADDRESS DRUG SHORTAGES”

“Lyme Disease Is Up Throughout The Hudson Valley & Around The State; Already More Cases This Year Than in 2013 & Projected to Be More than in 2012 – Access to Doxycycline, Medicine That Helps Prevent High-Risk Tick Bites From Becoming Chronic Lyme Disease, Is Essential Price of Doxycycline Is Through The Roof & Experts Say It is Due To A Potential Nationwide Shortage of the Drug – FDA & Drug Maker Have Not Yet Recognized or Declared Shortage, But It Could Affect Treatment Options For Residents in Dutchess County, Where There Have Been At Least 10,000 Cases of Lyme Over Last 10 Years Schumer to FDA: Investigate Potential Shortage Before It Gets Worse”

Schumer urged the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to take steps to manage the supply and to investigate price hikes.

The Journal News reporting described specific examples:

1. “There’s a lot of price gouging going on,” said Stuart Feldman, a pharmacist and owner of the Cross River Phramacy.
2. Wholesalers used to sell the generic pill for $60 for 500, he said. Over the past year or so, the price has skyrocketed to $1,600 for the same amount, Feldman said.
3. Ira Glotzer of Drug Mart in Suffern said he has seen similar increases in the price of the drug.
4. Dr. Robert Amler, vice president for government affairs at New York Medical College, Dr. Cameron, ILADS president, Pat Smith, President of the national non-profit Lyme Disease Association, Jill Aurebach, Chairwoman of the Lyme Disease Association of the Hudson Valley, and Rachel Dildilian of Hyde Park, who leads the Hudson Valley Lyme Disease support group spoke in support of Senator Schumer’s initiative.

The Journal New coverage include these quotes

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, vice president for government affairs at New York Medical College, stood with Schumer and urged people to be vigilant against ticks and get early treatment for Lyme disease.
3. Dr. Daniel Cameron, a Mount Kisco physician who specializes in treating Lyme, said it is important for patients to get early treatment.
4. “If you don’t, the price is a steep one,” he said.