In the first three months of 2024, the U.S. reached a record with 323 ongoing medication shortages — the highest number since 2001.
Of the 20 most commonly used therapies, 10 are in short supply.
Here are 11 new shortages, according to drug supply databases from the FDA and the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.
Editor's note: The drugs are listed in alphabetical order.
Becaplermin topical gel: There are no presentations of the diabetic neuropathic ulcer treatment. Pharmaceutical company Smith & Nephew did not provide a reason for the shortage or a release date.
Cisatracurium besylate injection: AbbVie and Pfizer's Hospira have discontinued three solutions each of the muscle relaxant. Neither drugmaker listed a reason.
Clobetasol propionate cream: Fougera, a Sandoz company, discontinued nine presentations of its skin condition medication. A reason was not provided.
Difluprednate ophthalmic emulsion: Three solutions are available and one is not as of April 24. The medication is used to treat eye pain, redness and swelling caused by eye surgery.
Evolocumab injection: Amgen discontinued two solutions of the immunotherapy. A reason was not provided.
Granisetron hydrochloride injection: The antinausea drug has two available and three unavailable solutions. Hikma Pharmaceuticals and Fresenius Kabi did not offer reasons for their shortages and said supply should rebound between May and June.
Hydroxocobalamin injection: One solution of the anemia drug is in shortage at Teva Pharmaceuticals because of testing delays. Supply is expected to rebound in late April.
Isosorbide mononitrate immediate-release tablet: Teva, the sole supplier of the heart failure medication, has its product on back order and expects to release supply between April and May.
Lacosamide tablet: Amneal Pharmaceuticals discontinued four presentations of the anticonvulsant. A reason was not provided.
Rifaximin tablet: At Bausch Health, one solution of the antibiotic that treats diarrhea is in short supply and three are not. The 200 milligram presentation is in limited supply without a release date, and the drugmaker said it is "closely monitoring orders" and that the "product is only available for its labeled use."
Valproate sodium injection: One solution of the anticonvulsant is in short supply and another is available. Hikma, which is reporting a shortage, said it predicts a release date in late May.