Drug Shortages: 10 Medications Affected | Becker’s Hospital Review
Facing crucial drug shortages? this report details ten essential medications affected, including Cholestyramine powder, premarin injection, and Imatinib tablets, impacting patient care immediately. Manufacturing delays, back orders, and business decisions are the primary culprits behind this disruption in drug supply. From cardiovascular treatments to those for cancer, healthcare providers and patients must stay informed. Upsher-Smith and Teva Pharmaceuticals have discontinued several key drugs, further complicating the situation. Stay informed on potential choice medications with help, and remember to consult your healthcare provider. For the latest updates and resupply dates, follow the FDA and ASHP. News Directory 3 keeps you in the know. discover what’s next for these critical shortages.
Drug Shortages Impacting patient care: What You Need to Know
Updated may 28, 2025
several drug shortages are currently affecting patients, impacting the availability of key medications. These shortages, reported to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), span various therapeutic areas, from cardiovascular health to oncology.
The disruptions in drug supply are attributed to factors such as manufacturing delays, business decisions, and back orders, leaving healthcare providers and patients facing uncertainty.
Here’s a breakdown of some of the critical medication shortages:
- Cholestyramine powder: Upsher-Smith laboratories has stopped producing its 4g/5.5g powder form of cholestyramine, a drug used to lower cholesterol and manage certain heart conditions.
- Conjugated estrogens injection: Pfizer’s Premarin 25mg injection, a hormone replacement therapy, is currently in short supply due to manufacturing delays. A resupply date is not yet available.
- Imatinib acetate tablets: Multiple manufacturers, including Major, Strides Pharma, Teva Pharmaceuticals, and Upsher-Smith Laboratories, are experiencing shortages of imatinib tablets, a medication used to treat chronic myeloid leukemia and other cancers. Apotex anticipates resupply in late 2025, while Teva expects a release in early to mid-July.
- Megestrol acetate tablets: Major, Strides Pharma, and Teva Pharmaceuticals have placed megestrol acetate, prescribed for appetite loss and weight loss in cancer and AIDS patients, on back order. Resupply dates have not been provided.
- Minocycline hydrochloride capsule: Teva Pharmaceuticals has discontinued its 75 mg capsule form of minocycline hydrochloride, an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections.
- Nortriptyline hydrochloride capsule: Teva Pharmaceuticals has discontinued the 75 mg capsule of nortriptyline hydrochloride, a medication used in psychiatry.
- Oxybutynin chloride tablet: Upsher-Smith Laboratories has discontinued all 5 mg tablet forms of oxybutynin chloride,a drug used to treat overactive bladder and other kidney-related conditions.
- Phenytoin oral suspension: mylan and Sun Pharma are reporting shortages of the 125 mg/mL oral suspension of phenytoin, an anticonvulsant used to prevent seizures. Resupply dates are not available.
- Potassium chloride capsule, extended release: Teva pharmaceuticals has discontinued all extended-release capsules of potassium chloride in 600 mg and 750 mg strengths, used to treat potassium deficiency.
- Propafenone hydrochloride capsule, extended release: Upsher-Smith Laboratories has discontinued all extended-release 225 mg, 325 mg, and 425 mg capsules of propafenone hydrochloride, a medication used to manage arrhythmias.
What’s next
Patients are advised to consult with their healthcare providers about alternative medications or treatment plans if they are affected by these shortages. Healthcare providers should monitor updates from the FDA and ASHP for the latest data on drug availability and potential resupply dates.