When a life-saving medication runs out, it’s not just an inconvenience-it can delay treatment, force risky substitutions, or even put lives at risk. In 2024, over 298 drugs were in short supply across the U.S., with generic sterile injectables like insulin, heparin, and antibiotics making up more than half. The FDA drug shortage database is the most trusted federal tool to find out which medications are running low, why, and when they might come back. But knowing where to look isn’t enough. You need to know how to use it right.
What the FDA Drug Shortage Database Actually Shows
The FDA’s database isn’t just a list. It’s a real-time record of drug shortages that meet a strict federal definition: nationwide demand exceeds supply. This means it doesn’t include local pharmacy stockouts or temporary delays. Only shortages that impact the entire U.S. supply chain get listed.
Each entry includes critical details: the generic drug name, the manufacturer’s name, the exact National Drug Code (NDC), why the shortage is happening, and how long it’s expected to last. About 68% of shortages are due to manufacturing problems-like equipment failure, contamination, or production delays. Quality issues like impurities or packaging defects are also common.
Importantly, the database tells you if a drug is still active, resolved, or discontinued. A “resolved” status doesn’t mean shelves are fully stocked again-it just means supply is meeting demand. You might still find empty shelves at your pharmacy. Always double-check with your provider or pharmacist.
How to Access the Database
You don’t need special access to use the FDA’s tool. It’s free and open to everyone. There are three main ways to check:
- Website: Go to www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/drugshortages/default.cfm. This is the most detailed version, with filters for manufacturer, dosage form, and therapeutic class.
- Mobile App: Search for “FDA Drug Shortages” in the Apple App Store or Google Play. The app, updated in 2022, lets you get push alerts when a drug you’re watching goes short. It’s especially useful for pharmacists and clinicians on the go.
- Data.gov: For developers or institutions, the FDA publishes a weekly machine-readable dataset on data.gov. This isn’t meant for patients but helps hospitals and health systems integrate shortage data into their internal systems.
No registration is required for basic searches. If you want to report a shortage you’ve noticed that’s not listed, you’ll need to verify your email-but that’s optional unless you’re reporting.
How to Search Effectively
Don’t just type in “insulin.” That’s too broad. You need to be specific. Here’s how to get accurate results:
- Start with the generic name-not the brand. For example, search “epinephrine,” not “EpiPen.”
- Use the NDC number if you have it. The same drug can come in different strengths or forms (tablet, injection, IV bag). Only one version might be short. The NDC tells you exactly which one.
- Filter by dosage form. The 2024 update lets you choose between tablet, injection, oral solution, etc. This is critical. A shortage of 500mg tablets doesn’t mean the 250mg capsules are affected.
- Check the reason for shortage. If it’s a manufacturing issue at one plant, other brands made elsewhere may still be available. If it’s a raw material shortage, multiple drugs could be impacted.
For example, in April 2024, a shortage of insulin NDC 0002-8745-01 was detected early through the database. Hospitals used that exact code to switch to alternative formulations before patients were affected. That kind of precision saves lives.
FDA vs. ASHP: Which One Should You Use?
Many people also use the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) Drug Shortages page. So which one do you trust?
The FDA database is the official source. It’s legally backed. Manufacturers are required by law to report shortages to the FDA under FDASIA. Failure to report can cost them up to $10,000 per day. It’s the most authoritative, with 100% of listed drugs including NDCs.
The ASHP database is more user-friendly. It includes more drugs-about 15-20% more than the FDA-because it tracks regional and temporary issues too. It also gives you clinical advice: what to substitute, how to adjust doses, what alternatives are safe. In a 2024 survey, 92% of providers said they relied on ASHP for treatment decisions during shortages.
Best practice? Use both. Check the FDA first to confirm a shortage is real and official. Then go to ASHP to find out what to do next. One gives you the facts. The other gives you the plan.
What the Database Doesn’t Tell You
Even the best tools have blind spots. The FDA database has known limitations:
- 7-10 day reporting lag: Manufacturers often report shortages to ASHP or hospitals before filing with the FDA. Dr. Erin Fox from University of Utah Health found that in 63% of cases, ASHP listed a shortage before the FDA did.
- Estimated duration is often wrong: Only 58-79% of FDA’s “expected resolution” dates are accurate. Some shortages last months longer than predicted.
- No regional data: If you’re in rural Kansas and the drug is short nationwide, you won’t know if it’s worse there than in New York. The database doesn’t track location.
- No info on compounded alternatives: Pharmacists sometimes compound drugs from scratch during shortages. But only 22% of compounders report these to the FDA, so they don’t show up in the database.
Also, the “reason for shortage” codes can be confusing. “Manufacturing delay” doesn’t tell you if it’s a broken machine or a supply chain blockage. If you’re unsure, call the FDA’s Drug Shortages hotline at 240-402-7770 or email [email protected].
What You Can Do If You Can’t Find a Drug
If you or a loved one needs a medication and it’s listed as short:
- Don’t stop taking it without talking to your doctor. Even if it’s hard to get, your provider may have a plan.
- Ask your pharmacist to check other local pharmacies. Sometimes one store has stock while others don’t.
- Use ASHP’s alternative therapy suggestions. They list safe substitutions with dosing guidance.
- Report a shortage if you see one. Even if it’s not on the list, your report could help the FDA catch it faster.
For example, in January 2023, a heparin shortage went unreported to the FDA for 11 days. By then, 37% of hospitals had treatment delays. If more people had reported the issue early, the response could’ve been quicker.
Staying Updated Without Constant Checking
You don’t need to check the database every day. The FDA sends free email updates every Tuesday and Friday with new and resolved shortages. Sign up on their website.
If you use the mobile app, turn on push notifications for specific drugs. You’ll get an alert the moment a shortage is added. That’s the fastest way to know when your medication is at risk.
For healthcare professionals, the FDA offers a free 22-page User Guide and video tutorials. The videos have a 4.7/5 satisfaction rating-worth watching if you’re confused by the interface.
What’s Coming Next
The FDA isn’t standing still. In 2024, they launched new search filters for dosage form and manufacturer. By early 2025, they plan to link the database to the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy’s distributor network to track shortages at the supply chain level.
The biggest change coming? AI-powered predictions. Testing began in late 2024. The goal is to predict shortages before they happen-not just report them after. Commissioner Califf says the long-term aim is to cut the reporting lag from days to hours.
For now, the database remains your best tool for knowing what’s available and what’s not. It’s not perfect, but it’s the most reliable source we have. Use it wisely, cross-check with ASHP, and stay informed.
Is the FDA Drug Shortage Database free to use?
Yes, the FDA Drug Shortage Database is completely free to access through their website, mobile app, or data portal. No subscription, login, or payment is required for basic searches or alerts.
How often is the FDA drug shortage database updated?
The database is updated daily with new shortages, resolved cases, and status changes. The FDA’s Drug Shortages Staff reviews manufacturer reports every business day and adds or updates entries within 24-48 hours of confirmation.
Can I report a drug shortage to the FDA?
Yes. If you’re a healthcare provider, pharmacist, or patient and notice a drug is unavailable nationwide but isn’t listed on the FDA database, you can report it by emailing [email protected]. You’ll need to provide the drug name, NDC, manufacturer, and evidence of the shortage. Reports from professionals are prioritized.
Why is my drug listed as "resolved" but still not available at my pharmacy?
"Resolved" means the total supply across the U.S. now meets national demand-but that doesn’t mean every pharmacy has it in stock. Distribution can be uneven. Some regions may still experience delays due to logistics, inventory rotation, or regional demand spikes. Always confirm availability locally.
Does the FDA database include brand-name drugs or only generics?
The database includes both brand-name and generic drugs. However, shortages are tracked by the generic active ingredient, not the brand. For example, if insulin glargine (brand Lantus) is short, the entry will show "insulin glargine" as the generic name. You can search by brand in the app or website, but the official listing uses the generic term.
Are drug shortages getting worse?
Yes. Since 2010, the number of active drug shortages has increased by 300%. In 2024, over 298 drugs were in shortage, with the majority being generic sterile injectables. This trend is driven by manufacturing consolidation, supply chain fragility, and low profit margins for generic drugs. The FDA expects shortages to remain a persistent challenge without major systemic changes.
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