Shortages
Search for information about a medicine shortage and find out if there is a way to access an alternative product.
A medicine shortage occurs when there is unlikely to be enough of a medicine in Australia for the people who need to take it. Suppliers must report shortages of prescription medicines and a small number of over-the-counter medicines to the TGA.
Each shortage listed on our medicine shortages reports page refers to a single product. There are usually alternative brands, strengths or dose forms of the same medicine available.
You can view our medicine shortage alerts and search the medicine shortage reports database on our website. The information in the database will provide an estimate of how long the shortage will last and may tell you if there is an alternative medicine available. Our page on accessing medicines during a shortage explains more about accessing alternative products.
Find out how we manage a medicine shortage, including information for sponsors on reporting a shortage and supplying alternative products during a shortage.
Latest alerts
- Counterfeit semaglutide vialsThe TGA has detected fake semaglutide, also known as Ozempic, being illegally imported into Australia.
- Antibiotics shortage update and substitution allowed to address shortage of cefaclorWe continue to monitor antibiotic medicines in shortage and are seeking and prioritising applications for overseas alternatives to assist with supply.
- Substitution allowed to address shortage of phenoxymethylpenicillinTo help manage the shortage of the antibiotic phenoxymethylpenicillin (Penicillin V), we have made a Serious Scarcity Substitution Instrument (SSSI).
Latest articles
- TGA’s new powers will help reduce the impact of medicine shortages on patientsFrom 22 March 2023 changes to the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 will help alleviate the effects of medicine shortages on patients.
- Consumers warned about Ozempic scamsThe TGA is aware of several scams targeting consumers seeking semaglutide (Ozempic). Consumers are strongly advised not to use products unless they have come from a trusted source.
- Limited Ozempic supplies to commence distribution in AustraliaSupplies of Ozempic (semaglutide) have begun distribution in Australia but will remain quite limited for some time.
Latest publications
- SGLT2 inhibitors approved for T2DM onlyMedicines Safety Update - Information for health professionals
- Medicine shortages: Report on the first 12 months of the mandatory reporting schemeThis report describes the first 12 months of the mandatory reporting scheme