Drug shortages in the U.S. continue to plague hospitals, pharmacies and patients, even as new cases fell to a 20-year low in 2025. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists’ most recent year-end report on drug shortages found that lower numbers of shortages don’t necessarily lessen the impact on patients, as many longstanding issues still burden operations.
Here are five notes from the report:
1. New shortages dipped to 89 in 2025.
ASHP identified 89 new drug shortages during 2025 — the lowest annual total since 2006.
2. There are 216 active shortages.
The number of ongoing shortages rose slightly to 216 from 214 last quarter, though it remains below the all-time high of 323 reported in early 2024.
3. Controlled substances remain in short supply.
Fifteen percent of active shortages involve controlled substances, affecting patients with conditions including chronic pain and ADHD, and limiting hospitals’ ability to perform surgeries and procedures.
4. Most shortages began in 2022 or later.
Three-fourths of active shortages (75%) began in 2022 or later, reflecting persistent supply issues that have yet to resolve.
5. Pharmacy workloads remain high.
Shortages continue to strain pharmacy teams, which must regularly update EHRs and automation systems — often while managing workforce shortages.
