Deciphering America’s Medication Supply Challenges: Top 10 Drug Shortages For Q1 Revealed
In the first quarter of 2024, the United States faced a staggering 23-year record with 323 active drug shortages. Among the nation’s 20 most popular therapies, half were affected by shortages, according to data from the FDA and the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). Here are the details of the 10 shortages:
1. Albuterol: Nephron Pharmaceuticals Corp. is releasing inhalation medication solutions as they become available due to increased demand. Although Cipla USA discontinued two solutions used for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), 14 others remain available in the U.S. market.
2. Amoxicillin: Since fall 2022, numerous presentations of the antibiotic have been in short supply, with no release dates available.
3. Amphetamine salt combo: There has been an ongoing shortage of multiple solutions of this attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medication since 2022. Thirty-one solutions are on back order without a resupply date, while 15 are available.
4. Amphetamine salt combo extended-release: Thirty-eight presentations of the ADHD therapy are in shortage, with no reported release dates.
5. Clonazepam: Although the FDA lists only one solution in shortage, the ASHP reports that 15 are in low supply. Clonazepam is used for epilepsy, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, and panic disorders.
6. Hydrocodone and amoxicillin: These painkiller tablets have been in short supply for nearly a year, with 31 unavailable and 12 available. No release dates have been reported.
7. Ondansetron: Four solutions of the nausea medication are in shortage, but the supply issues are expected to resolve by mid-2024.
8. Pantoprazole: Two presentations of the heartburn medication are in limited supply, while 10 are available. Hikma Pharmaceuticals is releasing allocated vials, and Sagent Pharmaceuticals estimates its shortage to end in June.
9. Prednisone: Thirty-seven solutions are available, but two from Teva Pharmaceuticals are on back order. Prednisone is used for eczema and psoriasis.
10. Tramadol: Teva is reporting a short-term shortage of one solution of the painkiller, while seven other presentations are at normal supply levels.
