Active U.S. drug shortages increased to 227 in the second quarter of 2026, marking the third consecutive quarterly increase, according to the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. Nearly half of all new shortages this year involve medications made by a single manufacturer, a concentration that increases supply chain vulnerability, and the FDA’s database continues to reflect new discontinuations weekly.
The database is updated daily to reflect manufacturing recoveries, regulatory actions and how shortages are classified, not solely day-to-day availability at the hospital level.
Here are four recent drug shortages, according to the FDA database:
- Fulvestrant injection: Fresenius Kabi discontinued its 250-milligram/5-milliliter presentation of the oncology drug Aug. 14.
- Diclofenac sodium tablet, delayed release: Teva Pharmaceuticals discontinued six presentations of the musculoskeletal drug, in 50-milligram and 75-milligram strengths, Aug. 13, citing a business decision.
- Polyethylene glycol 3350, sodium ascorbate, sodium sulfate anhydrous, ascorbic acid, sodium chloride and potassium chloride oral solution: Salix Pharmaceuticals, a division of Bausch Health, discontinued its Plenvu bowel prep kit Aug. 13, citing a business decision.
- Glyburide tablet: Sanofi-Aventis discontinued four presentations of its Diabeta brand, in 1.25-milligram, 2.5-milligram and 5-milligram strengths, Aug. 10, citing a business decision.
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.
