Pediatric Endocrinologist Faces Challenges Due to Growth Hormone Shortage
Dr. Jennifer Miller, a pediatric endocrinologist, is currently facing challenges in treating patients with growth hormone deficiency. The shortage of Norditropin, the most prescribed growth hormone, has been ongoing for over a year and a half, causing issues for patients with conditions such as Prader-Willi syndrome.
The scarcity of Norditropin has made it difficult for patients to access the necessary medication, with insurance companies adding to the struggle by requiring prior authorization even during the shortage. Families are having to navigate through multiple prior authorizations and delays in receiving the growth hormone for their children.
Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Norditropin, is working to increase supply, but the shortage is anticipated to continue for a few more months. Pharmacy benefit managers like CVS Caremark, Express Scripts, and Optum Rx are still mandating new prescriptions and prior authorizations each time patients need to switch brands due to the shortage.
While there has been some progress in simplifying the process for patients to access the growth hormone, challenges persist in resolving the shortage issue. Dr. Miller and other healthcare providers are advocating for solutions to ensure that patients in need can receive the essential medication in a timely manner.
As the shortage of growth hormone continues to impact patients and healthcare providers alike, it is imperative that efforts are made to address the issue and alleviate the burden on those affected by this ongoing challenge.
“Social media scholar. Reader. Zombieaholic. Hardcore music maven. Web fanatic. Coffee practitioner. Explorer.”