Drug shortage radar

Medicines currently in shortage or being discontinued, with the presentations affected and how licensed suppliers can help.

US data from the FDA Drug Shortage Database (openFDA), grouped by medicine, last refreshed 19 October 2026, 11:54 UTC. Other countries are added by the PharmaTradz team. We do not list manufacturer names.

How supply reaches the market during a shortage

A shortage does not open the door to unapproved product. In the United States, supply usually comes from manufacturers that already hold an approval and can increase output, from dormant approvals that are relaunched, or, in critical shortages, from temporary importation of a version approved in a well-regulated market after an FDA quality review. Read our guide October's new US drug shortages: where licensed suppliers can step in.

Buyers should qualify any new source as carefully during a shortage as at any other time. See how to verify a pharmaceutical supplier.

Questions

Where does the shortage data come from?

US entries come from the FDA Drug Shortage Database through openFDA and are refreshed several times a day. Entries for other countries are added by the PharmaTradz team from national regulators. We group the FDA data by medicine and leave out company names.

Can a foreign-approved product be supplied during a shortage?

Sometimes. In a critical shortage the FDA can allow temporary importation of a version approved in a well-regulated market, after a quality review. That route goes through the FDA, not through an ordinary purchase order.

What is the difference between a shortage and a discontinuation?

A shortage means demand is greater than supply for some presentations. A discontinuation means a manufacturer has told the FDA it is stopping some or all presentations, which can lead to a shortage if other suppliers cannot cover the demand.

Can I get an email when a new shortage is listed?

Yes. Use the alert box on this page or on any medicine page. You confirm by email first, and every alert has a one-click unsubscribe link.

This page is for information only. Shortage status changes often; check the FDA Drug Shortage Database or your national regulator before making decisions. Brand names, where shown, are trademarks of their owners.