What is the FDA Drug Shortage Database?
The FDA Drug Shortage Database is the U.S. government’s official tool for tracking which medications are running low or unavailable across the country. It’s not a prediction tool or a forecast - it’s a real-time record of drugs that manufacturers have reported as being in short supply. If you’re a patient, caregiver, or healthcare worker, this database tells you whether the medicine you rely on is hard to find right now.
Launched in 2021, the database pulls data directly from drugmakers who are legally required to notify the FDA when a shortage is expected. Since 2012, under the FDASIA law, companies face fines of up to $10,000 per day if they delay reporting. That means the list you see online is as close to accurate as federal oversight can get.
Why does this matter?
Drug shortages aren’t just inconvenient - they can be dangerous. In 2023, over 290 medications were in short supply, and nearly 60% of those were sterile injectables like antibiotics, painkillers, and heart medications. When these drugs aren’t available, hospitals have to scramble. Patients might get a less effective substitute, or worse - delayed treatment.
For example, in April 2024, an insulin shortage tied to one specific NDC code (0002-8745-01) was flagged in the FDA database. Hospitals used that info to switch patients to alternative brands before anyone went without. That kind of early warning saves lives.
How to find a drug in the FDA database
There are two main ways to check: the website and the mobile app. Both are free, no login needed.
- Go to accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/drugshortages/default.cfm - this is the main site.
- Use the search bar at the top. Type in the generic name of the drug - like “levothyroxine” or “vancomycin.” Avoid brand names; the database uses generic terms.
- Click “Search.” You’ll see a list of matching drugs.
- Look at the details: Manufacturer, NDC number, Reason for shortage, and Status (Current, Resolved, or Discontinued).
If you’re on the go, download the FDA Drug Shortages app (iOS or Android). It works the same way but lets you turn on push alerts. You’ll get notified if a drug you’ve searched for changes status - useful if you’re managing a chronic condition.
What the status labels really mean
Don’t assume “Resolved” means the drug is back in stock everywhere. Here’s what each label actually means:
- Current: The drug is still in short supply. Demand is higher than what’s being produced or shipped.
- Resolved: The manufacturer says supply now meets national demand. But that doesn’t mean every pharmacy has it - distribution takes time.
- Discontinued: The product is no longer being made. This is permanent. You’ll need a different drug.
Also, watch for “Extended Use Date” notes. Some drugs, like epinephrine auto-injectors, have expiration dates that can be legally extended during shortages. That info is on a separate page: “Search List of Extended Use Dates.”
What to do if your drug is listed
If you find your medication in the “Current” list, don’t panic - but act smart.
- Check the NDC number. A drug like “amoxicillin” might have 10 different NDCs (different manufacturers, strengths, or forms). Only one version might be short. Your prescription might still be fillable.
- Call your pharmacy. Ask if they have the exact NDC on file. If not, ask if they can get it from another distributor.
- Ask your doctor about alternatives. Not all substitutes are safe. Some drugs have narrow therapeutic windows - changing them can be risky. But for many common drugs, like antibiotics or blood pressure meds, there are safe swaps.
- Don’t delay. If your drug is listed as “Current,” shortages can get worse fast. Start the conversation with your provider now.
FDA vs. ASHP: Which one should you trust?
Many people also use the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) Drug Shortages page. It’s popular because it’s easier to read and includes clinical advice like “Try this alternative instead.” But here’s the key difference:
| Feature | FDA Database | ASHP Resource |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | National shortages only | National + regional/local issues |
| Manufacturer Details | Full NDC and company names | Partial or missing NDCs |
| Reason for Shortage | Technical codes (e.g., “Manufacturing Delay”) | Plain language (e.g., “Factory shutdown for cleaning”) |
| Clinical Guidance | Minimal - just facts | Yes - alternatives, dosing tips |
| Update Frequency | Daily | Weekly |
Best practice? Use both. Check the FDA database to confirm a shortage is real and official. Then go to ASHP to see what alternatives are recommended by pharmacists.
Common mistakes people make
- Thinking “Resolved” means it’s back in stock. It means supply meets demand - not that every pharmacy has it. Distribution lags.
- Ignoring NDC numbers. A drug might be short in 500mg tablets but fine in 250mg. Your prescription might still work.
- Not checking for extended use dates. Some expired drugs can be legally used longer during shortages. That info is on a separate FDA page.
- Waiting until the last minute. If a drug is flagged as “Current,” it can get worse in days. Don’t wait for your prescription to fail.
How to report a shortage you’ve seen
If you’re a pharmacist, nurse, or patient and you notice a drug that’s not listed but you can’t get it anywhere - report it.
Email: [email protected]
Include:
- Drug name (generic)
- Strength and dosage form (e.g., “10mg tablet”)
- Manufacturer or NDC if known
- Where you tried to fill it (hospital, pharmacy chain)
- How long you’ve been unable to get it
The FDA doesn’t respond to every report individually, but they track patterns. If multiple people report the same issue, they’ll contact the manufacturer.
What’s next for the FDA database?
The FDA is working on big upgrades. By late 2025, they plan to:
- Integrate with wholesale distributor databases to track where drugs are stuck in the supply chain
- Add barcode scanning to the mobile app so you can scan your pill bottle and instantly check status
- Use AI to predict shortages before they happen - still in testing, but promising
Right now, the database is reactive. But the goal is to make it proactive. That’s the future.
Bottom line
The FDA Drug Shortage Database is the most reliable source for knowing if your medicine is hard to find. It’s not perfect - there’s a 7- to 10-day lag in reporting, and it doesn’t explain why in simple terms. But it’s the only government-backed tool that tells you exactly which manufacturer, which NDC, and which strength is affected.
Use it before you run out. Bookmark the site. Download the app. Set up email alerts. And always cross-check with ASHP for clinical advice. When it comes to your health, knowing the truth about availability isn’t just helpful - it’s essential.
Is the FDA Drug Shortage Database free to use?
Yes, the FDA Drug Shortage Database is completely free. You don’t need to register, pay, or sign up for anything. Both the website and mobile app are available to the public without cost.
Can I use the FDA database to find alternatives for a shortage?
The FDA database tells you which drugs are in short supply and why, but it doesn’t suggest alternatives. For clinical recommendations on substitutes, use the ASHP Drug Shortages resource, which includes guidance from pharmacists on safe alternatives and dosing adjustments.
Why is my drug listed as “Resolved” but I still can’t get it?
“Resolved” means the manufacturer says national supply now meets demand. But it doesn’t mean every pharmacy has it in stock. Distribution takes time, and some regions get shipments later than others. Always check with your local pharmacy before assuming the drug is available.
How often is the FDA database updated?
The FDA updates the database daily. New shortages are added as soon as manufacturers report them, and resolved shortages are marked as soon as the FDA confirms supply has returned to normal. The mobile app also pushes notifications in real time when status changes.
Do I need to be a healthcare professional to use this database?
No. The FDA Drug Shortage Database is designed for everyone - patients, caregivers, pharmacists, and providers. You don’t need medical training to search by drug name. The app is simple to use, and the site includes plain-language explanations for most fields.
Can I report a shortage if I’m a patient?
Yes. Patients can and should report shortages they experience. Email [email protected] with the drug name, strength, manufacturer (if known), where you tried to fill it, and how long you’ve been unable to get it. Your report helps the FDA spot patterns and act faster.
Are all drugs included in the FDA shortage list?
No. The FDA only lists drugs where nationwide demand exceeds supply. It doesn’t include local shortages, temporary stockouts at one pharmacy, or compounded medications. Also, non-prescription drugs like OTC pain relievers are not tracked. The focus is on medically necessary prescription drugs.
What to do next
Don’t wait until your prescription runs out. Open the FDA Drug Shortages website or app right now. Search for any medication you take regularly - especially if it’s a daily pill, injectable, or critical for a chronic condition. If it’s listed as “Current,” talk to your doctor or pharmacist today. If it’s not listed, you’re in the clear. Either way, you’re in control.
Set up email alerts from the FDA. Bookmark the page. Share the info with family members who rely on medications. This isn’t just about knowing where your drug is - it’s about protecting your health before a crisis hits.
Crystal August
January 20, 2026 AT 00:38Nadia Watson
January 20, 2026 AT 16:45Also, I noticed a typo in the ASHP comparison table: 'manufacturing delay' is written as 'manufaturing delay' in the original. Just wanted to point that out - not to be nitpicky, but accuracy matters when lives are at stake.
Shane McGriff
January 21, 2026 AT 20:18Also, don’t ignore the extended use dates. We had a batch of epinephrine auto-injectors that expired in January but were legally cleared for use through June. If we hadn’t checked that page, we’d have had to turn people away. Don’t assume expiration = unusable. Always verify.
Jacob Cathro
January 23, 2026 AT 12:38Paul Barnes
January 23, 2026 AT 17:12pragya mishra
January 24, 2026 AT 19:21Andy Thompson
January 26, 2026 AT 03:16sagar sanadi
January 26, 2026 AT 12:10kumar kc
January 28, 2026 AT 10:29