[Courtesy of News1] A father caring for a two-year-old with a severe rare disease was left scrambling after learning that 5cc syringes — needed daily to administer his child’s life-saving medication — had gone out of stock across multiple suppliers. The man spent an entire day searching online platforms without success, noting that the syringes had been readily available just the week before. “Caregivers felt secure about this product,” he said. “It wasn’t this chaotic just last week.”
[Courtesy of News1] The Middle East crisis has disrupted the supply of petrochemical raw materials used in syringe manufacturing, triggering shortages that are hitting home caregivers hardest. Unlike hospitals with existing stockpiles, individuals managing daily medication needs at home have no buffer. Most online retailers now display out-of-stock notices, with potential delivery delays of three to five months. The few sellers still carrying inventory have raised prices sharply. A box of 100 syringes that previously sold for $7.50 is now listed at $37.50 or more, with some sellers asking as high as $45. A mother caring for a child with epilepsy attempted to order five boxes after spotting the price surge, only to have the order canceled the following day. Another caregiver warned that for severely ill patients, certain medical supplies are needed around the clock every day of the year, adding that an inability to source syringes could force hospitalizations or result in missed medications. Caregivers report that syringes previously delivered within three to five days are now virtually impossible to source, with some advised by doctors to begin stockpiling essential supplies as a precaution, though widespread hoarding risks deepening the shortage further.
[Courtesy of News1] Pet owners caring for sick animals are facing difficulties. Many need to administer subcutaneous fluids two to three times daily, but syringes and butterfly needles are sold out. The few sites still selling them have doubled their prices. One pet owner who gives daily fluids to her terminally ill cat said, “I used to use a 50cc syringe twice a day, but now I can’t find any. I’m using an old 30cc syringe instead, which means three administrations daily. At this rate, I won’t have enough supplies to last a month.” She added, “Syringe prices have roughly doubled. This is a matter of life and death for my cat.” People are sharing methods for reusing syringes on social media. One user posted, “Discard the used needle, insert a new one into the syringe, and store it in a disposable bag in the refrigerator.”
[Courtesy of News1] Government authorities say there’s no shortage of syringes. The Ministry of Health and Welfare estimates hospitals hold a one-month supply of syringes and a three-month supply of needles, with no production issues expected for the next two months. Major hospitals report ample stock. A university hospital representative said, “While prices might increase in the future, we check our stock daily and see no significant problems.” Officials believe the issue stems from distribution, not supply. The Food and Drug Safety Administration confirmed they’ve noticed online shortages and are investigating. A trade expert stated, “Naphtha accounts for about 55% of production and is a crude oil byproduct. It’s strange that there’s a shortage compared to crude oil. I suspect some distributors are hoarding supplies.” The Ministry of Welfare plans to monitor production and supply of six items, including IV bags, syringes, and needles. They will impose penalties for hoarding and price manipulation while prioritizing naphtha supply for syringe and needle production.