Shortages, and who else makes them
Shortage records from the FDA drug shortage database; labeller counts from the openFDA NDC Directory (active human prescription listings, every strength and form). A labeller is the firm named on the label and a count is not a statement of stock or supply. Methodology
45 drugs, fewest labellers first
Combinations and single-labeller names
These shortage names are combinations, or have fewer than two labellers in the directory, so they are not counted above rather than matched loosely.
- Amino Acid Injection16
- Amphetamine Aspartate Monohydrate, Amphetamine Sulfate, Dextroamphetamine Saccharate, Dextroamphetamine Sulfate Tablet73
- Bacitracin Ophthalmic Ointment1
- Bupivacaine Hydrochloride, Epinephrine Bitartrate Injection20
- Cefotaxime Sodium Powder, for Solution6
- Conivaptan Hydrochloride Injection1
- Echothiophate Iodide Ophthalmic Solution1
- Epinephrine Bitartrate, Lidocaine Hydrochloride Injection23
- Flurazepam Hydrochloride Capsule6
- Isocarboxazid Tablet1
- Pentostatin Injection1
- Quinapril/Hydrochlorothiazide Tablet9
- Sterile Water Irrigant9
- Streptozocin Powder, For Solution2
- Sufentanil Citrate Injection4
- Technetium TC-99M Pyrophosphate Kit Injection3
- Triamcinolone Hexacetonide Injection1
Sourcing a drug that is short?
Send one brief and it goes to FDA-registered suppliers whose registrations match. Suppliers with capacity in a shortage molecule can claim their entry for free.
Common questions
- Which drugs in shortage have the fewest manufacturers?
- Of the 45 drugs in current FDA shortage that match an ingredient in the NDC Directory, 10 are listed by five companies or fewer, including penicillin g benzathine (2), remifentanil hydrochloride (3), hydroxocobalamin (3), valproate sodium (3). A listing names the labeller on the product; it does not show that the firm has stock.
- How many companies make a typical drug in shortage?
- The median drug in current shortage is listed by 18 companies in the NDC Directory. The count includes every labeller with an active human prescription listing for the ingredient, across all strengths and dosage forms.
FDA drug shortage database (current records, refreshed daily) joined to the openFDA NDC Directory by ingredient name, dropping only dosage-form words and strengths from the shortage name. Combinations are never split into their parts.