By: Stephanie Jacksis
CENTRAL TEXAS - Local doctors and hospitals are worried their supply of a crucial drug for leukemia patients could soon run out.
Scott & White Hospital officials said they only have enough of methotrexate to last the next couple of weeks.
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society said the shortage is happening all over the country. With leukemia being the most common cancer in children, LLS said it's crucial companies start producing more of the medicine.
"This week in particular, attention has turned to the limited supplies of methotrexate," Andrea Geif with LLS said, "A drug used to treat children with acute lymphocytic leukemia, as well as patients of all ages with other cancers."
The LLS is urging patients and concerned family members to call congress and demand they prioritize production of the preservative-free drug, as methotrexate helps children by stopping cancer cells from getting into the spinal fluid.
The FDA shut down the main manufacturer of the drug in November, after Bedford Laboratories failed an inspection. Only four pharmaceutical companies in the U.S. still make the drug.
