Johnsen states that approximately half of today's pharmaceutical companies communicate with patients through some form of social media4. Pharmaceutical companies are using social media to be able to interact with patients and make it easier for them to obtain vital information. This is much the same way pharmacists and other healthcare providers are starting to use social media. This allows pharmaceutical companies to distribute things like manufacturer coupons, information about drug shortages, and information about new drugs. Manufacturer coupons are one of the only ways some patients can afford to take certain medications. Patients are very grateful to be able to take advantage of these coupons to obtain a medication they may desperately need. Social media makes it very easy for a patient to search for these coupons and makes them much more available than ever before. Drug shortages are also becoming a significant problem in pharmacy. Many pharmaceutical companies are unable to maintain production of certain types of medications and patients are then unable to locate these medications. Pharmaceutical companies can start using social media to make sure everyone is aware when there is a manufacturing problem, which will allow pharmacies and patients to have more time to try to find solutions. alternatives available. This can also help them know when they are likely to be available.