14 of 20 most commonly prescribed drugs are in shortage

Seventy percent of the 20 most commonly prescribed medications from GoodRx are in shortage, according to databases from the FDA and the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.

Here are 14 ongoing shortages of popular drugs:

1. Amphetamine mixed salts: The FDA and ASHP both report short supply of the attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder drug. The shortage began in October and has steadily eased since then.  

2. Hydrocodone/acetaminophen: Thirty-five solutions of this painkiller are back ordered. Most drugmakers said they could not predict a resupply date, and Major Pharmaceuticals said its products will be available again in June.

3. Gabapentin: As of May 1, three solutions of the seizure medication were in shortage — without an expected release date — and three were available. 

4. Prednisone: Ten solutions are on allocation or back order while 42 solutions remain at normal supply levels. The medication is used for multiple indications, including "inflammation, severe allergies, adrenal problems, arthritis, asthma, blood or bone marrow problems, endocrine problems, eye or vision problems, stomach or bowel problems, lupus, skin conditions, kidney problems, ulcerative colitis and flare-ups of multiple sclerosis," according to the Mayo Clinic.

5. Albuterol: The ASHP and FDA report shortages of the oral powder solution used in nebulizers. On April 23, the ASHP posted a shortage of eight albuterol sulfate and ipratropium bromide inhalation solutions. There are no predicted resupply dates.

6. Amoxicillin: The antibiotic went into shortage in October and is ongoing. As of June 5, 49 products are on allocation, in limited supply or back ordered; six solutions are available.

7. Amphetamine mixed salts extended release: The ADHD drug has 36 solutions in short supply and 18 available, according to the ASHP. The FDA labeled the shortage as resolved. 

8. Lisinopril: Some solutions of the blood pressure drug have been discontinued and 13 others are on back order. Estimated resupply dates are between May and June.

9. Azithromycin: Both the ASHP and FDA report the antibiotic drug as being currently in shortage, but the FDA's post only mentions one solution and says it is available, and the ASHP has one solution on back order with resupply expected in June.

10. Tramadol: About 72 percent of solutions for the painkiller are in shortage. Two drugmakers said they could not forecast a resupply date, and Teva Pharmaceuticals estimated early June.

11. Amoxicillin/potassium clavulanate: Thirty-six products of the antibiotic are in short supply. Most drugmakers did not report a release date, and Teva said it predicts more supply in June. Five solutions are available. 

12. Clonazepam: The FDA and ASHP both report shortages of the seizure medication. Accord Healthcare has all of its presentations on back order. The FDA says Teva's supply rebounded as of June 6, and the ASHP lists the company's products as unavailable as of June 4. 

13. Ondansetron: One solution is on back order and resupply is expected in April 2024. Fourteen solutions of the drug, which is used to prevent nausea and vomiting after chemotherapy, are available.

14. Pantoprazole: The ASHP and FDA report limited supply of some solutions of the heartburn drug. Estimated release dates are between June and January 2024.

The six popular drugs not in shortage are sildenafil (No. 1 most prescribed), phentermine (No. 3), alprazolam (No. 6), zolpidem (No. 9), atorvastatin (No. 12) and cyclobenzaprine (No. 20). 

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