FDA Issues Latest Update on Drug Shortages

The FDA has released an updated drug shortages list showing 116 drugs currently in shortage and 48 drugs in limited supply but for which the cause of the shortage has been resolved.

The list includes numerous generic products, such as injectable acetazolamide, used to treat glaucoma, epilepsy and altitude sickness; several amphetamine compounds, prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, narcolepsy and obesity; and injectable bupivacaine hydrochloride, a surgical anesthesia.

Premier, a group purchasing organization for hospitals, reported in December that the prioritization of COVID-19 vaccine production has had negative effects on the rest of the U.S. pharmaceuticals supply chain.