Drug shortages: causes and cautions.

Drug shortages have increasingly been a problem for pharmacists and clinicians over the past decade. Clinicians need to be aware of the various causes of drug shortages and the issues that may arise as a result, particularly as they relate to medication safety. Numerous resources and strategies are available to mitigate the effects of drug shortages, and clinicians should work with their health care team and the patient to determine the best option when faced with a drug shortage that affects patient care.