Medication Alternatives: What to Do During a Drug Shortage

When your regular medication runs out and no pharmacy has it in stock, it’s not just inconvenient-it’s scary. You might be managing diabetes, high blood pressure, or a chronic condition that needs daily treatment. A drug shortage doesn’t wait for you to be ready. In 2025, over 258 active drug ingredients were in short supply across the U.S. and parts of Europe, with many lasting over two years. Insulin, antibiotics like amoxicillin, and even critical cancer drugs are disappearing from shelves. But you’re not helpless. There are real, proven steps you can take to keep your treatment on track.

Check the FDA Drug Shortage Database First

The FDA’s Drug Shortage Database is the most reliable public source for current shortages. It lists exactly which drugs are affected, why, and whether there are approved alternatives. For example, when Semglee (a biosimilar insulin) ran low in March 2025, the FDA confirmed that Lantus could be safely substituted without a new prescription. That’s critical information. Many patients don’t know this. They assume all insulins are the same and panic. But biosimilars like Semglee and Lantus are designed to be interchangeable. The FDA database tells you exactly which substitutions are allowed-and which aren’t.

Don’t Guess-Talk to Your Pharmacist

Pharmacists are your frontline defense during a shortage. In 2025, 89% of major pharmacy chains in the U.S. and U.K. began offering dedicated shortage support services. They can tell you which nearby locations still have stock, whether mail-order options are available, and if a therapeutic alternative is safe for you. For instance, if your amoxicillin is gone, your pharmacist might suggest azithromycin-but only if your infection type allows it. They’ll also check your insurance formulary. A Blue Cross NC survey in early 2025 found that 57% of patients were confused about whether their insurance covered a substitute. Your pharmacist can clear that up instantly.

Ask Your Doctor About Alternatives-Not Just Substitutes

Sometimes, you need more than a direct swap. If your GLP-1 weight loss medication is unavailable, your doctor might switch you to a different class of drug, like SGLT2 inhibitors. These work differently but can still help with blood sugar and weight. For autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, when sarilumab was in short supply, doctors in the U.K. reduced doses or extended intervals between injections to stretch supply. This isn’t ideal, but it kept patients stable. The key is to start the conversation early. Don’t wait until your last pill is gone. Schedule a quick call or visit when you hear about a shortage. Most doctors have access to clinical tools that flag alternatives based on your medical history.

Know the Difference Between Biosimilars and Generics

Not all substitutes are created equal. Generics are exact copies of brand-name drugs. Biosimilars are highly similar to biologic drugs but not identical. Semglee and Lantus are biosimilars. That means they’re treated like interchangeable products by the FDA-so switching doesn’t require a new prescription. But with some biologics, like certain cancer drugs, biosimilars aren’t automatically interchangeable. Your doctor must specifically approve the switch. Confusing the two can lead to delays or denied insurance claims. Always ask: “Is this an interchangeable biosimilar, or do I need a new prescription?”

Use Mail-Order and Specialty Pharmacies

Local pharmacies often run out fast. But mail-order services and specialty pharmacies have larger inventories and better supply chains. During the 2025 insulin shortage, patients who used mail-order pharmacies reported fewer disruptions. Some insurance plans even require you to use mail-order for maintenance drugs like insulin or thyroid meds. If you’re not signed up, now’s the time. Call your insurer and ask: “Can I get my medication delivered?” Some services can ship within 48 hours. Don’t assume it’s complicated-many are simple to enroll in.

Be Wary of Online Sellers and Foreign Drugs

If you’re desperate, you might see ads for cheap insulin or antibiotics from overseas websites. Avoid them. The FDA warns that over 70% of online drug sellers are illegal. You could get fake, expired, or contaminated medicine. There’s one exception: Hawaii’s Medicaid program now allows certain foreign-approved drugs during shortages, but only if they’ve been reviewed and approved by the FDA under special waivers. This isn’t something you can do on your own. It requires official authorization. Stick to U.S.-licensed pharmacies. Your safety isn’t worth the risk.

Track Your Medication Supply-Don’t Wait Until It’s Gone

Set a reminder to check your supply every 30 days. If you’re on a long-term medication, keep a 10- to 14-day buffer. That gives you time to act if a shortage hits. During the amoxicillin shortage, Pfizer released production timelines. Patients who knew when supply would return could plan their antibiotic use better. If you’re unsure whether your drug is at risk, sign up for alerts from the FDA or your pharmacy. Some chains send text alerts when a drug you take is running low in your area.

What Not to Do

Don’t skip doses. Don’t cut pills in half unless your doctor says it’s safe. Don’t share medication with someone else. And don’t stop taking your drug because you can’t find it. A 2025 survey found that 32% of patients stopped their meds during shortages-and half of them ended up in the hospital with worsening symptoms. If you can’t get your drug, call your doctor. There’s always a better option than going without.

State-Level Solutions Are Emerging

Some states are taking action. New Jersey proposed letting pharmacists give emergency insulin supplies without a prescription. California and New York are stockpiling critical drugs like abortion medications and insulin in case federal policies disrupt supply. These aren’t just political moves-they’re public health safeguards. If you live in one of these states, know your rights. Ask your pharmacist: “Is there a state program that helps with emergency access?” You might be eligible for help you didn’t know existed.

Long-Term Outlook: This Isn’t Getting Better Soon

Drug shortages aren’t temporary glitches-they’re systemic. Eighty-five percent of generic drugs are made by just five manufacturers. One factory shutdown can ripple across the country. The FDA increased inspections to monthly in early 2025, which helped cut new shortages by 15%. But that’s not enough. Experts predict 63% of current shortages will last longer than 18 months. The solution? Better data, more manufacturers, and smarter supply chains. Until then, your best tool is knowledge. Know your meds. Know your options. Know where to look.