As of early 2026, drug shortages have reached critical levels, with over 270 medications currently unavailable across the United States. This isn’t just a minor inconvenience-it’s a crisis that affects everything from cancer treatment to everyday health needs.
Top Medications in Shortage Right Now
| Drug Name | Start Date | Expected Resolution | Primary Cause |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5% Dextrose Injection Small Volume Bags | February 4, 2022 | August 18, 2025 | Manufacturing quality issues |
| 50% Dextrose Injection | December 12, 2021 | September 3, 2025 | Production delays |
| Cisplatin | 2022 | Still ongoing | Quality control problems at Indian facility |
| ADHD medications (methylphenidate, amphetamines) | 2020 | Variable | 35% annual demand increase |
| GLP-1 drugs (Ozempic, Wegovy) | 2022 | Still ongoing | High demand for weight loss |
| Antimicrobials (e.g., azithromycin) | 2023 | Variable | Supply chain disruptions |
Why These Drugs Are in Short Supply
Drug shortages happen for several reasons, but the biggest culprits are manufacturing problems and supply chain fragility. About 60% of the active ingredients for U.S. medications come from India, China, and the European Union. This global dependency creates serious risks. For example, a 2022 FDA inspection of an Indian facility producing cisplatin-a critical chemotherapy drug-found quality control issues. That single event caused a nationwide shortage that’s still ongoing in 2026.
Manufacturing quality is a major issue. Facilities failing Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP) standards often shut down until they fix problems. This is especially true for sterile injectables like dextrose solutions. These drugs require cleanroom environments and precise processes. Even a small contamination can halt production for months.
Demand spikes also play a role. ADHD medications and GLP-1 drugs for weight loss have seen demand rise 35% each year since 2020. Manufacturers can’t keep up with this surge, especially when production capacity is limited. Generic drugs make up 90% of prescriptions but only 20% of revenue. With thin profit margins (5-8% compared to 30-40% for brand-name drugs), companies often skip investing in new manufacturing lines.
Regulatory hurdles add to the problem. The FDA needs to approve any changes in production, which can take months. When a facility fails inspections, it can’t resume operations until it passes re-inspection. This creates bottlenecks that ripple through the entire supply chain.
How Shortages Affect Patients and Doctors
For patients, shortages mean delayed treatments or risky substitutions. A 2024 AMA survey found 78% of physicians reported treatment delays due to drug shortages. In cancer care, cisplatin shortages force hospitals to ration doses, prioritizing patients with testicular cancer over other types. This isn’t just inconvenient-it can be life-threatening.
Pharmacists spend over 10 hours a week managing shortages. A survey by ASHP found 67% of hospital pharmacists reported medication errors directly linked to substitutions during shortages. When a drug isn’t available, pharmacists might switch to a different formulation or dose, which can lead to mistakes. One Ohio pharmacist shared on Reddit how cisplatin shortages forced strict rationing, affecting treatment outcomes for many patients.
Patients with chronic conditions like diabetes or ADHD face daily challenges. GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic are in short supply, making it hard for people to manage weight and blood sugar. For those relying on dextrose injections for low blood sugar, shortages can lead to dangerous hypoglycemia episodes. These aren’t abstract problems-they’re real, daily struggles for millions.
What You Can Do If Your Medication Is Scarce
If you’re struggling to get your medication, here’s what to do:
- Check the ASHP Drug Shortages Database for real-time updates on availability.
- Talk to your pharmacist about therapeutic alternatives. In 47 states, pharmacists can substitute equivalent drugs during shortages.
- For insulin or diabetes medications, ask your doctor about oral alternatives if injectables are unavailable.
- For chemotherapy drugs, discuss clinical trial options with your oncologist. Some trials provide access to scarce medications.
- Stay in close contact with your healthcare team. They can adjust treatment plans or order medications from alternative suppliers.
Don’t stop taking medication without consulting your doctor. Substituting without professional guidance can be dangerous. Pharmacists and doctors have the expertise to find safe alternatives.
What’s Being Done to Fix This
Government agencies and healthcare organizations are taking steps to address shortages. The FDA launched a public portal in January 2025 for healthcare providers to report shortages not listed in their database. In three months, it processed 1,247 reports, with 87% leading to FDA intervention.
States are also innovating. New York proposed an online searchable database listing all drugs in shortage and identifying pharmacies with stock. Hawaii’s Medicaid program now allows foreign-approved drugs as alternatives during shortages. The Department of Health and Human Services recommends using oral rehydration for IV fluid shortages and implementing daily inventory audits.
Pharmacies are adopting strategies like maintaining a 30-day strategic inventory of critical drugs and building relationships with alternative suppliers. However, only 28% of hospitals have done this due to cost constraints. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists offers guidelines for managing fluid shortages, including dose optimization and strict inventory controls.
Looking Ahead: Will Shortages Get Better?
The future outlook remains uncertain. The Congressional Budget Office projects that without major policy changes, average shortages will stay above 250 through 2027. Proposed tariffs on Chinese and Indian pharmaceuticals could worsen shortages by increasing costs and slowing imports.
However, there are signs of progress. The FDA reports a 15% improvement in shortage resolution times compared to 2023 due to better manufacturer collaboration. The U.S. Pharmacopeia recommends three key actions: financial incentives for domestic API manufacturing, mandatory strategic stockpiles for critical medications, and a national early warning system integrating data from manufacturers and providers.
While these efforts help, the root causes-global supply chain dependence and thin profit margins for generics-remain. Fixing this will require coordinated action from lawmakers, manufacturers, and healthcare providers. For now, patients and doctors must navigate the challenges with the tools available.
How can I find out if my medication is in shortage?
The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) maintains a public Drug Shortages Database where you can check current shortages. Simply visit their website and search for your medication. Pharmacists also have access to real-time updates and can inform you about availability and alternatives.
What should I do if my prescription is unavailable?
First, contact your pharmacist to see if they have alternatives or can order from another supplier. If not, schedule an appointment with your doctor to discuss possible substitutions or treatment adjustments. Never stop taking medication without professional advice, as this could lead to serious health complications.
Why are generic drugs more likely to be in shortage?
Generic drugs account for 90% of prescriptions but only 20% of pharmaceutical revenue. With profit margins as low as 5-8%, manufacturers often lack the funds to invest in quality control or expand production. Brand-name drugs, with 30-40% margins, have more resources to maintain stable supply chains. This imbalance makes generics especially vulnerable to shortages.
Are there any alternatives for cisplatin during shortages?
For some cancer types, alternatives like carboplatin may be used, but they aren’t always as effective. Cisplatin is particularly crucial for testicular cancer treatment, where alternatives may not work as well. Oncologists often prioritize cisplatin for patients with the best chance of recovery. Always consult your oncologist before switching treatments.
How do drug shortages impact hospitals?
Hospitals spend significant time and resources managing shortages. Pharmacists dedicate over 10 hours weekly to finding alternatives, and 67% report medication errors linked to substitutions. Some hospitals have to ration critical drugs, like cisplatin, prioritizing certain patient groups. This strains staff, increases costs, and can delay care for patients.
