Leading manufacturers of enteral formula are experiencing supply chain challenges leading to shortages of certain enteral products. It’s likely that the industry will continue to experience shortages through late fall of 2023.
The availability of products has been shifting from day to day. Some of the large manufacturers provide weekly letters outlining the products experiencing supply challenges and anticipated dates of recovery. Actual product availability will vary across homecare providers and distributors and is subject to change.
How will Coram assist patients who need one of these products?
At Coram, we’re dedicated to supporting enteral consumers and their caregivers. Our collaborations with our suppliers and manufacturers help us to manage stock levels of items daily. If a supply shortage impacts the reliability and predictability of certain items, we will work with the patient, their caregivers and their health care provider to identify and offer other options. Coram will continue to track and obtain additional stock as it becomes available.
How can you help as the ordering provider?
- Indicate “or equivalent” or “substitutions allowed” on the enteral prescription. This will give our dietitians more flexibility to offer nutritionally comparable products often without waiting for new prescriptions to help ensure patients get the enteral therapy they need without a delay.
- Set expectations with your patients that the availability of their formula may vary over the coming months, and that they may be provided another formula that is nutritionally comparable.
- If your patient has allergies or limits that keep them from safely using another product, please provide this information to the home enteral provider. Discuss an emergency backup plan for nutrition in the case of a formula shortage.