Active U.S. drug shortages increased to 227 in the second quarter of 2026, marking the third consecutive quarterly increase, according to a new report from the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.
While shortages remain well below the record 323 reported in the first quarter of 2024, even a single shortage can disrupt care for large numbers of patients.
Here are five updates for health system leaders:
- Forty-eight percent of all new drug shortages in 2026 involve medications made by a single manufacturer, increasing supply chain vulnerability.
- Chemotherapy shortages remain a concern. A new shortage of ifosfamide, caused by manufacturing quality problems at a key supplier, is affecting a drug used in curative regimens for testicular cancer and sarcoma.
- Sixteen percent of active shortages involve controlled substances, creating challenges for patients with chronic pain or ADHD and for health systems performing surgeries and procedures.
- Contrast agent shortages are emerging. Ten percent of new shortages in 2026 involve contrast agents used in CT scans and MRIs.
- Pharmacy teams continue to spend significant time managing shortages, including updating pharmacy automation systems and EHRs, adding to existing workforce pressures.
