Drug Shortages Information

Programs like the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) that provide information for the public regarding current and resolved drug shortages and discontinuations as reported to them by drug manufacturers. Drug shortages occur for a variety of reasons including increased demand, supply disruptions, manufacturing and quality issues, delays involving logistics along the supply chain and the lack of incentives for manufacturers to supply drugs that are not as profitable as they had hoped. The market for a particular drug is considered covered when a sufficient supply is available from at least one manufacturer to cover total market demand. A drug receives Resolved status when the Drug Shortages Staff (DSS) determines that the market is covered, based on information from all manufacturers. DSS monitors the supply of products with Resolved status. People can also contact the manufacturers directly for the most current supply information.