US Drug Shortages Hit Lowest Level Since 2017, But Durations Rise

Prescription drug shortages in the U.S. fell by 23% last year, reaching the lowest level since 2017, according to an analysis by U.S. Pharmacopeia. While the volume of shortages decreased for the second consecutive year, the duration of these shortages has increased, with some medicines remaining unavailable for over five years.

Why are drug shortages lasting longer?

The average drug shortage lasted 5.3 years, U.S. Pharmacopeia reported. This duration exceeds the 4.3 years seen in 2024 and significantly outpaces the average two-year shortage recorded in 2019.

Nearly two-thirds of out-of-stock medicines remained in short supply for more than three years. About 39% of those medications were unavailable for more than five years.

Did You Know? Last year’s decline in prescription drug shortages marks the lowest volume of shortages since 2017.

How many medications are currently affected?

A total of 75 drugs were in short supply last year, according to the analysis. These drugs spanned 130 therapeutic categories.

U.S. Pharmacopeia, an independent organization that develops standards for medicines, stated that this breadth indicates shortages affect a wide range of patient populations and diseases.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the divergence between the number of shortages and their duration is critical. While fewer drugs are disappearing from shelves, those that do often remain gone for years, creating prolonged instability for patients relying on those specific therapeutic categories.

What could happen to drug availability?

The number of shortages may continue to drop, as the recent 23% decrease follows a previous year of declines. This could suggest a downward trend in the overall frequency of new shortages.

However, the length of time drugs remain unavailable is likely to remain a challenge. Based on current data, some medicines could stay out of stock for five years or more, potentially impacting the 130 therapeutic categories identified by U.S. Pharmacopeia.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many drugs were in short supply last year?

According to the analysis by U.S. Pharmacopeia, 75 drugs were in short supply.

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What is the current average duration of a drug shortage?

The average drug shortage lasted 5.3 years, according to the report.

How many therapeutic categories were impacted by shortages?

Shortages spanned 130 therapeutic categories, affecting a wide range of diseases and patients.

How has the availability of your necessary medications changed over the last few years?