The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Drug Shortage Database is the most reliable source for knowing if a medication you or someone you care for needs is hard to find. It’s not just a list - it’s a live, updated record of which drugs are running low across the country, why they’re running low, and when they might come back. If you’re a patient, caregiver, pharmacist, or healthcare provider, knowing how to use this tool can prevent treatment delays, avoid dangerous substitutions, and help you make smarter decisions when supplies are tight.
What the FDA Drug Shortage Database Actually Shows
The database doesn’t just say “this drug is short.” It gives you specific details: the exact drug name, its National Drug Code (NDC) number, who makes it, why it’s unavailable, and how long it’s expected to last. Over 280 to 320 drug shortages are active at any time, mostly affecting generic injectable medicines like antibiotics, anesthesia agents, and heart medications. In 2023, nearly 70% of shortages happened because of manufacturing problems - think contaminated batches, equipment failures, or raw material delays. Only about 7% of shortages involve extended use dates, meaning the drug might still be safe to use past its printed expiration if approved by the FDA.
Every drug listed has been confirmed by the manufacturer, who is legally required to report shortages under the FDASIA law. Failure to report can cost a company up to $10,000 per day. This makes the FDA database more authoritative than other sources. But it’s not perfect. There’s often a 7- to 10-day delay between when a shortage starts and when it shows up here. Some manufacturers wait until the problem is confirmed before reporting, and the FDA needs time to verify.
How to Access the Database
You have three main ways to check the database:
- Website: Go to www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/drugshortages/default.cfm. This is the full version with all filters and details.
- Mobile App: Download the free “FDA Drug Shortages” app from the Apple App Store or Google Play. It’s designed for quick checks on the go. You can search by drug name, active ingredient, or therapeutic class. It also sends push notifications if a shortage you’re tracking changes status.
- Data Feed: For tech-savvy users or hospitals, the FDA offers a machine-readable dataset on data.gov. It’s updated weekly and can be imported into internal systems.
No registration is needed to use the website or app. You don’t need an account to search or view updates. But if you want to report a shortage you’ve noticed in your pharmacy or hospital, the app will ask for your email to verify your identity.
How to Search Effectively
Don’t just search for the brand name. Most shortages affect generic versions. Use the generic name or the active ingredient. For example, if you’re looking for insulin, search for “insulin glargine” - not “Lantus.”
After you find the drug, look at the NDC number. This is critical. A shortage might only affect one formulation - say, the 500mg tablet - while the 250mg version is still available. The FDA database lists every NDC separately. If you’re a pharmacist, always check the NDC on your prescription against the one in the database. A 2024 FDA study found that 62% of shortages impact only specific dosage forms or strengths.
Check the “Reason for Shortage” field. It uses codes like “Manufacturing Delay” or “Quality Issue.” If the reason is “Raw Material Shortage,” other drugs using the same ingredient might be at risk too. If it’s “Facility Inspection,” that factory might be shut down for months.
What “Resolved” Really Means
Many users get confused by the “Resolved” status. It doesn’t mean the drug is back to full supply. It means the manufacturer says supply now meets demand. In practice, that often means hospitals get priority, and community pharmacies still struggle. A 2024 usability study found that 28% of providers mistakenly thought “resolved” meant the drug was fully available again. Always check the estimated duration and look for updates. If a shortage was listed as “ongoing” for six months and now says “resolved,” call your pharmacy to confirm they’ve actually received stock.
How It Compares to ASHP’s Drug Shortages Resource
Many pharmacists also use the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) Drug Shortages site. It’s not a competitor - it’s a complement.
| Feature | FDA Drug Shortage Database | ASHP Drug Shortages |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Nationally significant shortages only | Includes regional, temporary, or localized issues |
| NDC Coverage | 100% of listed drugs | 82% of listed drugs |
| Update Frequency | Daily | Weekly |
| Clinical Guidance | Minimal - mostly facts | Detailed - alternatives, dosing, substitutions |
| Best For | Verifying if a shortage is official | Deciding what to use instead |
Use the FDA database to confirm if a shortage is real. Then check ASHP to find out what you can use instead. A 2024 University of Michigan survey found that 74% of providers use both - FDA first for verification, ASHP second for action.
What to Do When You Find a Shortage
If you’re a patient: Talk to your doctor. Ask if there’s an alternative. Don’t stop taking your medication unless advised. Many shortages don’t mean zero supply - just less availability.
If you’re a pharmacist or provider: Use the “Extended Use Dates” page on the FDA site to see if expired stock can still be used. Contact your wholesaler. If you suspect a shortage not listed, report it at [email protected]. Include the drug name, NDC, your location, and how long you’ve been out of stock.
If you’re in a hospital: Use the FDA’s “CDER Direct NextGen Portal” if you have access. It lets manufacturers report shortages in real time - meaning you might get alerts before they appear publicly. Hospitals that use this system report 30% faster response times during shortages.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Mistake: Searching by brand name. Fix: Always use the generic name or active ingredient.
- Mistake: Assuming “resolved” means full restock. Fix: Call your pharmacy or check inventory logs.
- Mistake: Ignoring NDC numbers. Fix: Match the exact formulation on your prescription.
- Mistake: Relying only on the FDA. Fix: Cross-check with ASHP for clinical alternatives.
- Mistake: Not signing up for email alerts. Fix: Subscribe to FDA’s free updates - sent every Tuesday and Friday.
What’s Coming Next
The FDA is working on improvements. In July 2024, they added filters for dosage form, manufacturer, and therapeutic class - directly because users asked for them. By early 2025, they plan to link with pharmacy distribution databases to track where shortages are happening regionally. Later this year, they’ll start testing AI models that predict shortages before they occur. The goal? To move from reactive to proactive.
But for now, the database remains your best tool for knowing what’s available - and what’s not. It’s not flawless, but it’s the only federal source with legal authority and manufacturer accountability behind it. Use it often. Use it smartly. And always double-check with your provider or pharmacist before making changes to treatment.
Is the FDA Drug Shortage Database free to use?
Yes, the FDA Drug Shortage Database is completely free to use. You can access it through the website, mobile app, or data feed without creating an account or paying any fees. The app is available on both iOS and Android at no cost.
How often is the FDA database updated?
The FDA updates the database daily. New shortages, status changes, and resolved listings are added as soon as manufacturers report them and the FDA verifies the information. The mobile app syncs with this daily update schedule, so you’ll get the latest info even on the go.
Why do some drugs show as short on ASHP but not on the FDA site?
ASHP includes localized or temporary supply issues that don’t meet the FDA’s national shortage threshold. The FDA only lists shortages where demand exceeds supply across the entire U.S. market. So if a drug is running low in one state but available everywhere else, ASHP may list it - but the FDA won’t.
Can I report a drug shortage I’ve noticed?
Yes. If you’re a healthcare provider and you notice a shortage not listed on the FDA database, you can report it by emailing [email protected]. Include the drug name, NDC number, your location, and how long you’ve been unable to obtain it. The FDA reviews all reports and may add the shortage if confirmed.
Are there any drugs the FDA database doesn’t cover?
The FDA database covers most prescription drugs, especially those used in hospitals. It does not track compounded medications, over-the-counter drugs, or veterinary products. It also doesn’t include drugs that are discontinued entirely - only those with active shortages. If a drug is no longer manufactured, it won’t appear in the database.
What should I do if a drug I need is on the shortage list?
Don’t panic. First, check the NDC to see if another formulation is available. Then talk to your prescriber about alternatives. Many shortages affect only one strength or form. Use ASHP’s site for clinical recommendations on substitutions. And consider contacting your pharmacy - they may have stock from a different wholesaler not yet affected.