Takeaway
Ongoing medication shortages continue to affect patients. Work closely with pharmacists and create backup plans to preserve continuity of care.
Lifelong learning in clinical excellence | July 23, 2026 | 2 min read
By Katharine Russo, PharmD, Johns Hopkins Medicine
For the second year in a row, the total number of drug shortages has dropped. But from the frontline perspective, it may not feel like anything has changed at all. Why? While the number of shortages has declined, those that exist are lasting for longer periods of time. There aren’t many explanations to provide an anxious patient about why a medication they’ve taken for years, or even decades, is suddenly not available, with only a vague timeline of when it will be available again.
A team-based approach
When a medication shortage directly affects patient care, clinicians are often left balancing clinical needs, patient concerns, and a rapidly changing drug supply chain. While the reasons behind shortages are frequently outside the control of providers and patients alike, the response doesn’t have to be reactive. A proactive, team-based approach can help minimize treatment disruptions and maintain patient confidence.
Pharmacists can work alongside clinicians to evaluate therapeutically equivalent options, determine appropriate dose conversions, and assess whether members of the same drug class may provide comparable clinical benefit. In many instances, an alternative agent can be prescribed before therapy is interrupted.
Communicating with patients
Communication with patients is equally important. Patients should be informed early when a shortage may affect their treatment and reassured that the care team is actively developing a plan. Rather than focusing on uncertain timelines, clinicians can explain what steps are being taken to maintain continuity of care. Patients often respond better when they understand that alternatives have been evaluated and that the change is being made thoughtfully.
Creating a monitoring plan
In situations where no direct substitute exists, pharmacists can assist providers in developing monitoring plans. This may include closer follow-up, additional laboratory testing, patient education regarding expected changes in symptoms, and/or temporary adjustments to treatment goals. Establishing these plans proactively can help identify problems early and reduce adverse outcomes associated with treatment interruptions.
Encouraging patients to request refills early
Clinicians should also encourage patients to request refills before their medication supply becomes critically low. Early identification of access barriers creates more time for the care team to explore alternatives, complete prior authorizations, or coordinate medication changes. Waiting until a patient has exhausted their supply significantly limits available options.
Interdisciplinary collaboration
Perhaps most importantly, drug shortages reinforce the value of interdisciplinary collaboration. Providers, pharmacists, nurses, and patients all bring unique perspectives to the decision-making process. By working together, clinicians can move beyond simply responding to shortages and instead develop practical, patient-centered strategies that preserve treatment continuity even when medications are difficult to obtain.
A manageable challenge
While no clinician can eliminate drug shortages, thoughtful communication, early intervention, and close collaboration with pharmacy colleagues can help ensure that a medication shortage becomes a manageable challenge rather than a disruption in patient care.
This piece expresses the views solely of the author. It does not necessarily represent the views of any organization, including Johns Hopkins Medicine.