What is a drug shortage?

A drug shortage means the total supply of a medication in the U.S. isn't enough to meet current demand. The FDA tracks shortages and their causes — most often manufacturing or quality problems, a surge in demand, or a discontinuation. This page reproduces the FDA's current shortage list.

How many drugs are currently in shortage?

The FDA's Drug Shortages database currently lists 71 drugs (counted by dosage form) in active shortage, reported across 1,177 individual packages. Suppliers of the same drug often disagree: for 57 of those 71, some packages are reported available while others are unavailable. The list here is pulled live from the FDA and refreshed hourly.

Why are drugs in shortage right now?

Of the 66 active FDA shortage records that state a reason, the most common specific cause is "Demand increase for the drug" (14, 21%), then "Discontinuation of the manufacture of the drug" (18%). The FDA files a further 39% as simply "Other", so a meaningful share of U.S. shortages have no published cause at all. These are the FDA's own categories, counted — not our interpretation.

What should I do if my medication is in shortage?

Don't stop a prescribed medicine on your own. Ask your pharmacist whether another manufacturer, strength, or a therapeutic alternative is available, and talk to your prescriber about options. This page is public FDA information, not medical advice.

Where does this data come from?

Directly from the openFDA Drug Shortages database — the FDA's own reporting. We reproduce the FDA's status, availability, reason, and recovery notes verbatim and link back to the authoritative source.

Current FDA drug shortages

The 71 drugs the FDA currently reports in short supply in the U.S., across 1,177listed packages — what’s affected, why, how availability differs between suppliers, and the FDA’s recovery notes. Pulled live from the FDA and refreshed hourly.

By the pharmaranks editorial teamReviewed against the FDA (openFDA Drug Shortages) sourcesHow we research

Why drugs are in shortage right now

Counted across the 66active shortage records that state a cause — the FDA’s own categories, verbatim. Note that the FDA files 39% of them as simply "Other": a large share of U.S. shortages have no published cause.

Other: 26 (39%)
Demand increase for the drug: 14 (21%)
Discontinuation of the manufacture of the drug: 12 (18%)
Shortage of an active ingredient: 4 (6%)
Delay in shipping of the drug: 4 (6%)

Anesthesia (10)

etomidate injection
Unavailable
18 packages listed by 6 suppliers: 3 unavailable · 15 available
Reason
Demand increase for the drug (+1 other reported)
Form
Injection
FDA note
Additional product will be made available as it is released.
FDA updated 08/20/2026
rocuronium bromide injection
Unavailable
26 packages listed by 11 suppliers: 1 unavailable · 2 limited availability · 23 available
Reason
Demand increase for the drug (+1 other reported)
Form
Injection
FDA note
Check wholesalers for inventory
FDA updated 08/20/2026
dexmedetomidine hydrochloride injection
Unavailable
56 packages listed by 16 suppliers: 10 unavailable · 46 available
Reason
Other (+3 other reported)
Form
Injection
FDA note
Check wholesalers for inventory
FDA updated 08/20/2026
bupivacaine hydrochloride injection
Unavailable
56 packages listed by 8 suppliers: 5 unavailable · 6 limited availability · 45 available
Reason
Discontinuation of the manufacture of the drug (+2 other reported)
Form
Injection
FDA updated 08/18/2026
lidocaine hydrochloride injection
Unavailable
67 packages listed by 10 suppliers: 18 unavailable · 2 limited availability · 47 available
Reason
Demand increase for the drug (+2 other reported)
Form
Injection
FDA note
Check wholesalers for inventory
FDA updated 08/18/2026
ropivacaine hydrochloride injection
Unavailable
49 packages listed by 5 suppliers: 13 unavailable · 3 limited availability · 33 available
Reason
Other (+2 other reported)
Form
Injection
FDA updated 08/18/2026
atropine sulfate injection
Unavailable
19 packages listed by 8 suppliers: 8 unavailable · 11 available
Reason
Discontinuation of the manufacture of the drug (+2 other reported)
Form
Injection
FDA updated 08/18/2026
midazolam hydrochloride injection
Unavailable
26 packages listed by 6 suppliers: 9 unavailable · 2 limited availability · 15 available
Reason
Demand increase for the drug (+2 other reported)
Form
Injection
FDA updated 08/18/2026
epinephrine bitartrate, lidocaine hydrochloride injection
Unavailable
22 packages listed by 2 suppliers: 6 unavailable · 4 limited availability · 12 available
Reason
Other
Form
Injection
FDA updated 08/07/2026
bupivacaine hydrochloride, epinephrine bitartrate injection
Unavailable
20 packages listed by 2 suppliers: 8 unavailable · 12 available
Reason
Other (+1 other reported)
Form
Injection
FDA updated 08/07/2026

Cardiovascular (9)

bumetanide injection
Unavailable
12 packages listed by 5 suppliers: 1 unavailable · 11 available
Reason
Demand increase for the drug
Form
Injection
FDA updated 08/21/2026
quinapril hydrochloride tablet
Unavailable
20 packages listed by 5 suppliers: 16 unavailable · 4 available
Reason
Discontinuation of the manufacture of the drug (+2 other reported)
Form
Tablet
FDA note
Not available. Long-term backorder for all NDCs. No estimated release date at this time.
FDA updated 08/18/2026
furosemide injection
Unavailable
27 packages listed by 8 suppliers: 11 unavailable · 15 available · 1 next delivery and estimated recovery: december 2028
Reason
Other (+3 other reported)
Form
Injection
FDA note
Check wholesalers for inventory
FDA updated 08/18/2026
conivaptan hydrochloride injection
Unavailable
Reason
Delay in shipping of the drug
Form
Injection
Manufacturer
Cumberland Pharmaceuticals Inc.
FDA note
Estimated recovery: TBD
FDA updated 08/18/2026
dobutamine hydrochloride injection
Unavailable
10 packages listed by 3 suppliers: 1 unavailable · 9 available
Reason
Other
Form
Injection
FDA updated 08/17/2026
dopamine hydrochloride injection
Unavailable
11 packages listed by 3 suppliers: 3 unavailable · 8 available
Reason
Demand increase for the drug (+1 other reported)
Form
Injection
FDA updated 08/17/2026
furosemide oral solution
Limited Availability
3 packages listed by 1 supplier: 3 limited availability
Reason
Shortage of an inactive ingredient component
Form
Oral Solution
Manufacturer
Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc.
FDA note
Available on allocation
FDA updated 08/13/2026
propranolol hydrochloride injection
Unavailable
2 packages listed by 2 suppliers: 1 unavailable · 1 available
Reason
Shortage of an active ingredient
Form
Injection
FDA note
Check wholesalers for inventory
FDA updated 08/13/2026
quinapril/hydrochlorothiazide tablet
Unavailable
9 packages listed by 3 suppliers: 6 unavailable · 3 available
Reason
Discontinuation of the manufacture of the drug
Form
Tablet
FDA note
Discontinuation of the manufacture of the drug
FDA updated 08/07/2026

Analgesia/Addiction (8)

remifentanil hydrochloride injection
Unavailable
9 packages listed by 3 suppliers: 3 unavailable · 6 available
Reason
Demand increase for the drug (+1 other reported)
Form
Injection
FDA updated 08/20/2026
morphine sulfate injection
Unavailable
24 packages listed by 5 suppliers: 7 unavailable · 1 limited availability · 16 available
Reason
Other (+2 other reported)
Form
Injection
FDA note
Additional lots are scheduled to be manufactured. Product will be made available as it is released.
FDA updated 08/18/2026
ketorolac tromethamine injection
Unavailable
25 packages listed by 7 suppliers: 13 unavailable · 1 limited availability · 11 available
Reason
Other (+2 other reported)
Form
Injection
FDA note
Next release September 2026. Check wholesalers for inventory.
FDA updated 08/18/2026
hydromorphone hydrochloride injection
Unavailable
26 packages listed by 4 suppliers: 7 unavailable · 1 limited availability · 18 available
Reason
Other (+1 other reported)
Form
Injection
FDA note
Next Delivery: October 2026; Estimated Recovery: December 2026; Shortage per Manufacturer: Manufacturing Delay
FDA updated 08/17/2026
meperidine hydrochloride injection
Unavailable
10 packages listed by 2 suppliers: 5 unavailable · 5 available
Reason
Discontinuation of the manufacture of the drug (+1 other reported)
Form
Injection
FDA updated 08/13/2026
promethazine hydrochloride injection
Unavailable
10 packages listed by 2 suppliers: 4 unavailable · 5 available · 1 unvailable
Reason
Demand increase for the drug (+1 other reported)
Form
Injection
FDA note
Additional lots are scheduled to be manufactured. Product will be made available as it is released.
FDA updated 08/13/2026
fentanyl citrate injection
Unavailable
19 packages listed by 3 suppliers: 6 unavailable · 1 limited availability · 12 available
Reason
Other (+1 other reported)
Form
Injection
FDA note
Additional lots will be available August 2026 timeframe. Product will be made available as it is released.
FDA updated 08/13/2026
sufentanil citrate injection
Unavailable
4 packages listed by 2 suppliers: 4 unavailable
Reason
Other
Form
Injection
FDA note
Not currently manufactured
FDA updated 08/13/2026

Anti-Infective (7)

rifampin injection
Unavailable
3 packages listed by 3 suppliers: 3 unavailable
Reason
Delay in shipping of the drug (+2 other reported)
Form
Injection
FDA note
Next release August 2026. Check wholesalers for inventory.
FDA updated 08/20/2026
rifampin capsule
Unavailable
9 packages listed by 2 suppliers: 4 unavailable · 5 available
Reason
Discontinuation of the manufacture of the drug
Form
Capsule
FDA note
Discontinuation of the manufacture of the drug
FDA updated 08/18/2026
clindamycin phosphate injection
Unavailable
20 packages listed by 4 suppliers: 6 unavailable · 3 limited availability · 11 available
Reason
Discontinuation of the manufacture of the drug (+2 other reported)
Form
Injection
FDA updated 08/18/2026
metronidazole injection
Unavailable
4 packages listed by 3 suppliers: 1 unavailable · 2 limited availability · 1 available
Reason
Other (+1 other reported)
Form
Injection
FDA note
Discontinuation of the manufacture of the drug
FDA updated 08/18/2026
penicillin g benzathine injection
Unavailable
4 packages listed by 2 suppliers: 1 unavailable · 2 limited availability · 1 available
Reason
Other
Form
Injection
FDA note
Next Delivery: Fourth Quarter 2026 Estimated Recovery: 4Q 2027; Manufacturing delay
FDA updated 08/17/2026
cefotaxime sodium powder, for solution
Unavailable
6 packages listed by 2 suppliers: 4 unavailable · 2 available
Reason
Demand increase for the drug
Form
Powder, For Solution
FDA note
Estimated recovery: TBD
FDA updated 08/13/2026
bacitracin ophthalmic ointment
Unavailable
Reason
Discontinuation of the manufacture of the drug
Form
Ophthalmic Ointment
Manufacturer
Padagis US LLC
FDA note
Shortage is estimated for 24 months
FDA updated 06/01/2026

Endocrinology/Metabolism (7)

sodium bicarbonate injection
Unavailable
15 packages listed by 5 suppliers: 6 unavailable · 2 limited availability · 7 available
Reason
Discontinuation of the manufacture of the drug (+2 other reported)
Form
Injection
FDA updated 08/18/2026
dextrose monohydrate 50% injection
Unavailable
4 packages listed by 2 suppliers: 1 unavailable · 1 limited availability · 2 available
Reason
Discontinuation of the manufacture of the drug (+1 other reported)
Form
Injection
FDA updated 08/18/2026
dextrose monohydrate 10% injection
Unavailable
13 packages listed by 4 suppliers: 1 unavailable · 12 available
Reason
Discontinuation of the manufacture of the drug
Form
Injection
FDA note
Check wholesalers for inventory
FDA updated 08/17/2026
dextrose monohydrate 5% injection
Unavailable
36 packages listed by 4 suppliers: 1 unavailable · 1 limited availability · 34 available
Reason
Demand increase for the drug
Form
Injection
FDA note
This product is distributed by ICU Medical. For questions regarding this product, please contact ICU Medical.
FDA updated 08/17/2026
liraglutide injection
Limited Availability
9 packages listed by 3 suppliers: 3 limited availability · 6 available
Reason
Delay in shipping of the drug (+1 other reported)
Form
Injection
FDA updated 08/17/2026
dextrose monohydrate 70% injection
Unavailable
4 packages listed by 3 suppliers: 1 unavailable · 3 available
Reason
Other
Form
Injection
FDA note
This product is distributed by ICU Medical. For questions regarding this product, please contact ICU Medical.
FDA updated 08/17/2026
sodium acetate injection
Limited Availability
15 packages listed by 5 suppliers: 2 limited availability · 13 available
Reason
Other
Form
Injection
FDA updated 08/15/2026

Psychiatry (6)

lisdexamfetamine dimesylate capsule
Unavailable
90 packages listed by 13 suppliers: 2 unavailable · 34 limited availability · 54 available
Reason
Shortage of an active ingredient (+2 other reported)
Form
Capsule
FDA updated 08/20/2026
amphetamine aspartate monohydrate, amphetamine sulfate, dextroamphetamine saccharate, dextroamphetamine sulfate tablet
Unavailable
73 packages listed by 11 suppliers: 19 unavailable · 5 limited availability · 49 available
Reason
Shortage of an active ingredient (+2 other reported)
Form
Tablet
FDA updated 08/20/2026
methylphenidate hydrochloride tablet, extended release
Unavailable
34 packages listed by 6 suppliers: 4 unavailable · 10 limited availability · 20 available
Reason
Demand increase for the drug (+2 other reported)
Form
Tablet
FDA updated 08/19/2026
lisdexamfetamine dimesylate tablet, chewable
Available
18 packages listed by 3 suppliers: 18 available
Form
Tablet, Chewable
FDA updated 08/17/2026
methylphenidate film, extended release
Available
4 packages listed by 1 supplier: 4 available
Form
Film, Extended Release
Manufacturer
Noven Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
FDA note
Available. Distributed by Padagis US LLC
FDA updated 08/15/2026
isocarboxazid tablet
Limited Availability
Reason
Other
Form
Tablet
Manufacturer
Lifsa Drugs LLC
FDA note
Estimated recovery: TBD
FDA updated 08/06/2026

Neurology (5)

lorazepam injection
Unavailable
11 packages listed by 4 suppliers: 6 unavailable · 3 limited availability · 2 available
Reason
Other (+1 other reported)
Form
Injection
FDA note
Limited Supply Available. Next Delivery and Estimated Recovery: September 2026
FDA updated 08/18/2026
clonazepam tablet
Limited Availability
40 packages listed by 6 suppliers: 1 limited availability · 39 available
Reason
Other
Form
Tablet
FDA updated 08/17/2026
riluzole oral suspension
Unavailable
4 packages listed by 1 supplier: 1 unavailable · 3 available
Reason
Requirements related to complying with good manufacturing practices
Form
Oral Suspension
Manufacturer
EDW Pharma, Inc. (formerly Italfarmaco Pharma, Inc.)
FDA updated 08/17/2026
valproate sodium injection
Available
2 packages listed by 2 suppliers: 2 available
Form
Injection
FDA note
Checkwholesalers for inventory
FDA updated 08/13/2026
flurazepam hydrochloride capsule
Unavailable
6 packages listed by 2 suppliers: 2 unavailable · 4 available
Reason
Regulatory delay
Form
Capsule
FDA updated 08/04/2026

Oncology (4)

carboplatin injection
Unavailable
29 packages listed by 8 suppliers: 22 unavailable · 4 limited availability · 3 available
Reason
Other (+4 other reported)
Form
Injection
FDA note
Estimated recovery: end of June 2026; Distributed by BPI Labs, LLC
FDA updated 08/18/2026
ifosfamide injection
Unavailable
7 packages listed by 3 suppliers: 7 unavailable
Reason
Requirements related to complying with good manufacturing practices (+1 other reported)
Form
Injection
FDA note
Additional lots will be available in the September 2026 timeframe. Product will be made available as it is released.
FDA updated 08/17/2026
azacitidine injection
Unavailable
9 packages listed by 9 suppliers: 3 unavailable · 1 limited availability · 5 available
Reason
Demand increase for the drug (+1 other reported)
Form
Injection
FDA note
Estimated recovery: TBD
FDA updated 08/17/2026
streptozocin powder, for solution
Unavailable
2 packages listed by 2 suppliers: 1 unavailable · 1 available
Reason
Other
Form
Powder, For Solution
FDA note
Estimated recovery: TBD
FDA updated 08/17/2026

Rheumatology (3)

methylprednisolone acetate injection
Unavailable
23 packages listed by 5 suppliers: 6 unavailable · 7 limited availability · 10 available
Reason
Demand increase for the drug (+2 other reported)
Form
Injection
FDA note
Estimated recovery: November 2026
FDA updated 08/18/2026
methotrexate sodium injection
Unavailable
14 packages listed by 5 suppliers: 4 unavailable · 10 available
Reason
Other (+1 other reported)
Form
Injection
FDA note
Additional lots are scheduled to be manufactured. Product will be made available as it is released.
FDA updated 08/17/2026
triamcinolone hexacetonide injection
Unavailable
Reason
Delay in shipping of the drug
Form
Injection
Manufacturer
Medexus
FDA note
Estimated recovery: TBD
FDA updated 05/27/2026

Pulmonary/Allergy (2)

cromolyn sodium concentrate
Limited Availability
6 packages listed by 4 suppliers: 2 limited availability · 4 available
Reason
Other
Form
Concentrate
FDA note
No longer manufactured, some supplies still available in supply chain. Distributed by Ritedose Pharmaceuticals, LLC (855) 806 3300
FDA updated 08/20/2026
albuterol sulfate solution
Available
3 packages listed by 3 suppliers: 3 available
Form
Solution
FDA updated 08/04/2026

Gastroenterology (2)

sterile water irrigant
Unavailable
9 packages listed by 3 suppliers: 4 unavailable · 2 limited availability · 3 available
Reason
Discontinuation of the manufacture of the drug (+1 other reported)
Form
Irrigant
FDA note
Estimated recovery: August 2026
FDA updated 08/17/2026
amino acid injection
Unavailable
16 packages listed by 3 suppliers: 3 unavailable · 13 available
Reason
Shortage of an active ingredient (+1 other reported)
Form
Injection
FDA note
Estimated recovery: TBD
FDA updated 08/17/2026

Other (2)

sterile water injection
Unavailable
12 packages listed by 5 suppliers: 1 unavailable · 2 limited availability · 9 available
Reason
Other (+1 other reported)
Form
Injection
FDA note
Limited Supply Available. Next Delivery: August 2026; Estimated Recovery: September 2026; Shortage per Manufacturer: Manufacturing Delay
FDA updated 08/17/2026
hydroxocobalamin injection
Unavailable
2 packages listed by 2 suppliers: 1 unavailable · 1 limited availability
Reason
Other
Form
Injection
FDA note
Estimated recovery: September 2026
FDA updated 08/17/2026

Hematology (2)

heparin sodium injection
Available
8 packages listed by 4 suppliers: 8 available
Form
Injection
FDA updated 08/17/2026
desmopressin acetate spray
Unavailable
4 packages listed by 2 suppliers: 3 unavailable · 1 limited availability
Reason
Requirements related to complying with good manufacturing practices (+1 other reported)
Form
Spray
FDA note
Estimated recovery: TBD
FDA updated 08/04/2026

Dermatology (1)

dexamethasone sodium phosphate injection
Limited Availability
19 packages listed by 5 suppliers: 2 limited availability · 17 available
Reason
Demand increase for the drug
Form
Injection
FDA updated 08/20/2026

Medical Imaging (1)

technetium tc-99m pyrophosphate kit injection
Unavailable
3 packages listed by 2 suppliers: 2 unavailable · 1 limited availability
Reason
Other (+1 other reported)
Form
Injection
FDA note
Estimated recovery: TBD
FDA updated 08/19/2026

Antiviral (1)

peginterferon alfa-2a injection
Unavailable
2 packages listed by 1 supplier: 1 unavailable · 1 available
Reason
Regulatory delay
Form
Injection
Manufacturer
pharmaand GmbH (pharma&)
FDA updated 08/17/2026

Ophthalmology (1)

echothiophate iodide ophthalmic solution
Available
Reason
Other
Form
Ophthalmic Solution
Manufacturer
Fera Pharmaceuticals
FDA note
Available through limited distribution by Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy.
FDA updated 08/10/2026

If your medicine is affected.Don’t stop a prescribed medication on your own — ask your pharmacist about another manufacturer, strength, or a therapeutic alternative, and talk to your prescriber. This page reproduces public FDA data and is not medical advice.

Frequently asked

What is a drug shortage?: A drug shortage means the total supply of a medication in the U.S. isn't enough to meet current demand. The FDA tracks shortages and their causes — most often manufacturing or quality problems, a surge in demand, or a discontinuation. This page reproduces the FDA's current shortage list.
How many drugs are currently in shortage?: The FDA's Drug Shortages database currently lists 71 drugs (counted by dosage form) in active shortage, reported across 1,177 individual packages. Suppliers of the same drug often disagree: for 57 of those 71, some packages are reported available while others are unavailable. The list here is pulled live from the FDA and refreshed hourly.
Why are drugs in shortage right now?: Of the 66 active FDA shortage records that state a reason, the most common specific cause is "Demand increase for the drug" (14, 21%), then "Discontinuation of the manufacture of the drug" (18%). The FDA files a further 39% as simply "Other", so a meaningful share of U.S. shortages have no published cause at all. These are the FDA's own categories, counted — not our interpretation.
What should I do if my medication is in shortage?: Don't stop a prescribed medicine on your own. Ask your pharmacist whether another manufacturer, strength, or a therapeutic alternative is available, and talk to your prescriber about options. This page is public FDA information, not medical advice.
Where does this data come from?: Directly from the openFDA Drug Shortages database — the FDA's own reporting. We reproduce the FDA's status, availability, reason, and recovery notes verbatim and link back to the authoritative source.

Source: FDA Drug Shortages database ↗ (via openFDA). Data is refreshed hourly and may lag the FDA’s live database.