Drug shortages: Causes, consequences and mitigation efforts

Drug shortages, defined as a period of time in which demand exceeds supply, pose a significant risk to patient care. Drug shortages result in delays and discontinuations of treatment and may take years to resolve. 

The AMA has declared drug shortages to be an urgent public health crisis and a national security threat and is actively working to limit the impact on clinical care.

Drug shortage statistics–2026

Drug shortages impact physicians and patients

Recent research

A 2026 study by the AMA, published in JAMA Network Open, investigated the outcomes associated with drug shortages among primary care physicians (PCPs) and patients, including pervasiveness, treatment changes and outcomes, and administrative burdens.

Report a drug shortage

ASHP

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists

FDA

U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Current drug shortages lists

1. Current drug shortage database from ASHP

   The ASHP drug shortages database is based on reports from healthcare practitioners or patients/caregivers, which is then verified with manufacturers by the University of Utah Drug Information Service to confirm the shortage status for inclusion in its list.

2. Current drug shortage database from FDA

   The FDA collects drug shortage information for its database directly from the drug manufacturers via their voluntary submission of information and includes a drug on the shortage list when a manufacturer cannot meet current market demand as self-identified.

3. 2025 Vulnerable Medicine List (PDF) from U.S. Pharmacopeia

Understanding causes of drug shortages

American Medical Association

Drug availability: Fixing supply chains, shortages & rationing

United States Pharmacopeia

Drug shortages: Understand the causes and risks

U.S. Senate

U.S. Senate Committee on Aging (PDF)

Combating drug shortages

AMA

Combating drug shortages requires multifaceted approach (by Bruce Scott, MD, AMA past president)

AMA

Reforms needed to alleviate persistent drug shortages (by Jesse Ehrenfeld, MD, AMA past president)

AMA Journal of Ethics

How should critical medications be rationed during shortages?

ASTHO

Improving access to critical medications: A policy toolkit for health agency program leadership

HHS

Public access (archive viewer): HHS releases white paper focused on preventing drug shortages

AMA

Time for new ideas to address rising drug shortages

AMA actions on drug shortages

• The AMA is a founding member of the Drug Shortages Task Force. See the Call to Action, policy initiatives and stories from the community.
• The AMA Council on Science and Public Health (CSAPH) writes an annual report on drug shortages. Find the reports here.

AMA advocacy efforts

The AMA actively advocates with members of Congress, various congressional subcommittees and multiple federal agencies. Learn more about these efforts:

• AMA letter to Senate on draft legislation to combat prescription drug shortages (PDF)
• AMA letter to Federal Trade Commission on drug shortages (PDF)

AMA Policy on drug shortages

• National Drug Shortages H-100.956 
• Access to Important and Essential Drugs D-100.959
• Drug Shortages: 2024 Update D-100.961
• Impact of Tariffs on Healthcare Access and Costs D-110.981
• Non-Profit or Public Manufacturing of Drugs to Address Generic Drug Shortages H-100.942