If Fluffy needs a particular feline medication, will your veterinarian have it on hand?

Chances are she may not because a current shortage of drugs for humans also is affecting pets, the Wall Street Journal reports.

According to the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, there is a shortage of almost 200 drugs approved for people. Many of the drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration for humans also are used “off-label” to treat animals. Also, supplies of drugs for animals run short as well.

According to Indiana veterinarian Edward Javorka, drugs unexpectedly disappear from the market and their prices jump when they return.

“It’s terrible,” Javorka says. “There’s no rhyme or reason to it.”

The Institute for Safe Medication Practices says a number of factors cause drug shortages including FDA measures that stop production, voluntary recalls, a lack of raw ingredients, and rumors of looming shortages. Among the drugs that are coming up short is doxorubicin, an important chemotherapy drug used in people and pets.

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