There are more active drug shortages in the United States than ever. The organizations tracking drug shortages have reported a steady increase since 2021. Shortage levels reached a record high of 323 drugs in the first three months of 2024. All drug classes are vulnerable to shortages, with particular concern for generic sterile injectable medications, chemotherapy drugs, emergency medications, and therapies for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. The average drug shortage lasts about a year and a half, impacting at least half a million patients, many of whom are older adults. The root causes of drug shortages include manufacturing and quality problems. Efforts are being made at the federal level to address the issue and prevent future shortages.
