1. < Pancreatic Cancer

5FU shortage?

Posted by kathy2000 @kathy2000, May 26, 2023

We were just informed that there is a 5-FU shortage. We will no longer be able to receive this and must transition to an oral equivalent. Instead of a pump and 48 hour drip we will need to take Xeloda twice a day for 14 days.

Anyone else hearing about this or taking Xeloda? Any side effects to report?

Thanks

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markymarkfl | @markymarkfl | May 26, 2023

I didn't know about the 5-FU shortage and don't know anything about Xeloda as a substitute, but I can't say I'd miss the 46-hour take-home pump (did my 12 sessions with Folfirinox). I hope it works out for you.

I did see the following article last week: https://www.yahoo.com/news/drug-shortages-approach-time-high-115259636.html
It talks about medication shortages in general, but mentions cisplatin (which I'm now on) directly.

Part of the article says, "Laura Bray, who founded a nonprofit called Angels for Change, works as a liaison between patients, health systems and drug companies to “micro-source,” as she calls it, hard-to-find medications" and mentions they were able to help one patient get cisplatin.

They might be able to help you with the 5FU.

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gamaryanne | @gamaryanne | May 27, 2023

This is terrible news. I pray we are not dependent on China for 5FU recipe. Will doctors have to be selective on who needs it most???

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wjk | @wjk | May 27, 2023

kathy2000 - I wonder if your reported 5FU shortage relates to availability in your specific area, or if it may be a general shortage. As one living in Alaska and anticipating beginning 5FU treatment soon, I'm more than a little curious about drug availability. Thanks.

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1 reply
kathy2000 | @kathy2000 | May 27, 2023
In reply to @wjk "kathy2000 - I wonder if your reported 5FU shortage relates to availability in your specific area,..." + (show)
@wjk

kathy2000 - I wonder if your reported 5FU shortage relates to availability in your specific area, or if it may be a general shortage. As one living in Alaska and anticipating beginning 5FU treatment soon, I'm more than a little curious about drug availability. Thanks.

Jump to this post

I’m near Chicago so I don’t believe location is the issue. They mentioned a manufacturer in Puerto Rico.
We just had 5FU this week but then received the news. Hope the oral is as effective.

Looking for info on this situation.

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kathy2000 | @kathy2000 | Jun 1, 2023

As it seems no one else is experiencing this issue I need to to talk to our Doctor again. I hope we are not being put in this position without merit. Very hard to interpret what is going on. 😔

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1 reply
wjk | @wjk | Jun 1, 2023
In reply to @kathy2000 "As it seems no one else is experiencing this issue I need to to talk to..." + (show)
@kathy2000

As it seems no one else is experiencing this issue I need to to talk to our Doctor again. I hope we are not being put in this position without merit. Very hard to interpret what is going on. 😔

Jump to this post

kathy 2000 - Please let us know what you find. Thanks in advance. - wjk

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k13 | @k13 | Jun 4, 2023

FYI-I read this article a few days ago. (see link below). When I showed it to the nurses at Dana Farber in infusion room on Friday, they had not heard of any shortage.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2023/05/30/cancer-drug-chemotherapy-shortage-solutions-explained/70253377007/

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ncteacher | @ncteacher | Jun 5, 2023

FWIW, I had chemo today and at the end was given the infusion pump with 5-FU. Nobody said anything about there being a shortage of that drug.

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kathy2000 | @kathy2000 | Jun 5, 2023

That’s great for you! I just don’t know what is going on. Confirmed the shortage with the Doctor again last week. Our next appointment is Monday. I will ask again. Maybe it is just the supplier they use or other centers may have stockpiles.

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