CAPhO Connections Podcast: Pharmacy Technician Spotlight Series: RPhTs at the front line of oncology drug shortages: An Interview with Miranda Artiga
Oncology medicines are increasingly implicated in National drug shortages, which could result in a crisis for treatment of patients who need the drug.
Learning Objectives
After this episode, listeners will be able to:
- Explain an advanced role for pharmacy technicians working in cancer care through drug procurement efforts and the management of drug shortages.
- Provide a framework for the management of an oncology drug shortage, focusing on ensuring patient safety when implementing alternatives and solutions within your organization.
- Brainstorm considerations using an example of an oncology drug shortage that was recently encountered.
- Discuss potential future opportunities for oncology pharmacy technicians in drug procurement and leading drug shortage strategies.
About the Presenter: Miranda Artiga
Miranda Artiga is a registered pharmacy technician based in Kelowna, British Columbia. She currently works at BC Cancer, where she plays a key role in supporting patient care and pharmacy operations. Miranda graduated from Stenberg College in 2018 and began her career in the retail pharmacy sector, initially working as an assistant before advancing to a pharmacy technician role. In 2022, she transitioned to BC Cancer, expanding her expertise in a specialized healthcare setting. In addition to her primary responsibilities, Miranda has served as the secondary pharmacy purchaser for the past three years, contributing to the efficient management of medication procurement and inventory.
Resources Referenced:
- Government of Canada - Drug shortages in Canada - https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/drug-products/drug-shortages.html#a1
- National Library of Medicine - Oncology Drug Shortages: Impacts, Policy Reforms, and Advocacy Imperatives - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12459138/
- USP - Why cancer medicines are and continue to be vulnerable to drug shortages - https://qualitymatters.usp.org/why-cancer-medicines-are-and-continue-be-vulnerable-drug-shortages
- Government of Canada - Annex 1 to the Good manufacturing practices guide – Manufacture of sterile drugs (GUI-0119): Premises, equipment, utilities and personnel - https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/compliance-enforcement/good-manufacturing-practices/guidance-documents/gmp-guidelines-annex-1-manufacture-sterile-drugs-0119/premises-equipment.html
- Government of Canada - Tier 3 Drug Shortages - https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/drug-products/drug-shortages/tier-3-shortages.html#wb-auto-4
- Government of Canada - List of drugs for exceptional importation and sale - https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/drug-products/drug-shortages/list.html#wb-auto
- Government of Canada - Draft Guidance Document: Generic Drug Equivalence: Medicinal Ingredients - https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/public-involvement-consultations/drug-products/consultation-profile-draft-generic-drug-equivalence/document-1.html
- Health Product Shortages Canada - https://healthproductshortages.ca/.