The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for coordinating federal responses to drug shortages. When the FDA is notified of a potential shortage, it works with the pharmaceutical industry and other stakeholders to respond.
If your facility is having problems obtaining needed medications, please take the following actions:
- Email the FDA at drugshortages@fda.hhs.gov. The agency will need the name and dosage of the medication in question and your geographic location.
- For consumer complaints (and/or suspected price gouging), contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Consumer Response Center:
- Online: Use the online complaint form.
- Phone: Call 877.FTC.HELP (382.4357)
- Mail: Consumer Response Center, Federal Trade Commission, 600 Pennsylvania Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20580
If you suspect a shortage, please email Alex Taira at ataira@ascassociation.org. To view current drug scarcities, access FDA's Drug Shortage Database. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) also provides information on drugs in short supply, as well as potential substitutions. It is recommended to consult with the appropriate personnel/board(s) at your facility in regard to utilizing substitutions.