About ShortageWatch Rx

ShortageWatch Rx is a free, searchable view of the US drug shortages that FDA lists publicly.

Where the data comes from

Every page is built from the openFDA drug shortages API, which publishes the records behind the FDA Drug Shortages Database. We don't add, edit, or estimate any shortage data. Drugs that FDA doesn't list are not covered here; ASHP's shortage list tracks some drugs FDA doesn't.

How often it updates

The site checks openFDA once a day, early in the morning (US Central time), and rebuilds every page. FDA updates its data on its own schedule, so "FDA data last updated" shows the date of FDA's latest update, which can be a few days before our daily refresh.

What the statuses mean

These are FDA's own status labels:

• Current: FDA lists the product as currently in shortage.
• To Be Discontinued: the product is being discontinued by its manufacturer.
• Resolved: FDA lists the shortage as resolved.

A drug's overall status is Current if any of its listed presentations is Current, otherwise To Be Discontinued if any is, otherwise Resolved.

Terms used on this site

• Presentation: one specific product as FDA lists it: a manufacturer's form, strength, and package (for example, a particular vial size). One drug often has many presentations.
• NDC: the National Drug Code, the FDA identifier for a specific drug product and package.
• Not stated: FDA's record doesn't give a reason for the shortage.

Not medical advice

This site republishes public FDA data for information only. It is not medical, clinical, or purchasing advice and does not recommend alternatives or substitutes. Always check the FDA Drug Shortages Database and the manufacturer.