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.
Here are five recent drug shortages, according to the FDA database:
- Cisatracurium besylate injection: Hospira, a Pfizer company, discontinued two presentations of the neuromuscular blocking agent, in 20-milligram/10-milliliter and 200-milligram/20-milliliter vials, citing discontinuation of manufacture.
- Micafungin sodium injection: Par Health USA discontinued its 10-milligram/1-milliliter and 20-milligram/1-milliliter presentations of the antifungal Sept. 11, citing a business decision.
- Dextrose monohydrate, sodium chloride, sodium lactate, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride solution: Fresenius Medical Care North America discontinued its Delflex brand peritoneal dialysis solution Sept. 10, citing a business decision.
- Imipenem anhydrous, cilastatin, and relebactam anhydrous injection: Merck reported Sept. 9 that it will discontinue its Recarbrio brand antibiotic in late September.
- Ifosfamide injection: The chemotherapy drug remains in active shortage as of Sept. 8. The FDA first listed the drug as in shortage June 12, citing manufacturing issues at Baxter Healthcare and increased demand pressuring alternative suppliers Fresenius Kabi and Hikma Pharmaceuticals.
