When a medication is not available, it can be helpful to make FDA’s Drug Shortages staff aware. When a drug is not in stock, it’s usually a temporary, localized issue and more product is on the way, but occasionally, local supply issues can be a signal of a future drug shortage. Below are three simple steps you can take.
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First, check the Drug Shortages Database for current shortages to see if FDA is already aware. Search by generic name or active ingredient.
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If the drug is already in the Drug Shortages Database, talk with the patient and prescriber about other treatment options during the shortage. FDA is actively working on resolving that shortage.
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If the drug is NOT in the Drug Shortages Database, send a report to FDA through FDA’s new public portal.
