Medication Shortages: Why They Happen and What You Can Do

When your medication shortages, a situation where the supply of a drug falls below demand, leaving patients without access to needed treatments. Also known as drug shortages, these aren’t just inconveniences—they can delay critical care, force unsafe switches, and increase hospital visits. This isn’t a rare glitch. In 2023, over 300 prescription drugs were in short supply across the U.S. and Canada, according to the FDA’s official tracking list. Many of these are generics—drugs like generic substitution, the practice of replacing a brand-name drug with a chemically identical version to cut costs—that pharmacies rely on because they’re cheaper and widely used. But when manufacturers can’t keep up, or raw materials get stuck in global supply chains, those cheap alternatives vanish first.

Why does this keep happening? It’s not one problem—it’s a chain. Many generic drugs are made overseas, often in just one or two factories. If a single plant has a quality issue, like contamination or equipment failure, production stops. And because these drugs have tiny profit margins, companies don’t invest in backup systems or extra inventory. When a shortage hits, pharmacies don’t have alternatives ready. Patients on prescription delays, the unavoidable waiting periods caused by unavailable medications that disrupt treatment schedules for conditions like high blood pressure, thyroid disease, or seizures may face weeks without their meds. Even small changes in timing or dosage can throw off your body’s balance. And switching to another brand or formulation isn’t always safe, especially with pharmaceutical supply, the complex network of manufacturers, distributors, and regulators that keep drugs moving from factory to pharmacy that’s already stretched thin.

What can you do? First, don’t wait until your script runs out. Call your pharmacy a week before you need a refill. Ask if they have stock or if they’re expecting more. If they don’t, ask your doctor about alternatives—sometimes another generic version or even a brand-name option might be available. Keep a list of your meds, dosages, and why you take them. That helps your doctor make faster, safer choices if your usual drug disappears. And if you’re on a critical drug like levothyroxine or warfarin, talk to your doctor now about staying on the same brand, even if it costs more. These aren’t just supply issues—they’re health risks. The posts below show real cases where people faced these gaps, what worked, what didn’t, and how others are protecting themselves. You’re not alone in this. And there are practical steps you can take today to stay in control.