Shortages
Search for information about a medicine shortage and find out if there is a way to access an alternative product. Find out how to manage a medical device supply disruption or shortage.
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.
A medical device supply disruption or shortage can occur due to issues with raw materials, natural disasters or manufacturing. We follow up on reports of serious disruptions or shortages, and work to help minimise the impact.
Find out how we manage a medicine shortage, including information for sponsors on reporting a shortage and supplying alternative products during a shortage. Understand how we help manage medical device supply disruptions and what you should do.
Latest alerts
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All strengths of the Mounjaro vial presentation are discontinued but the Mounjaro KwikPen is available in the same strengths.
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We have approved overseas-registered substitutes for Pegasys 135 micrograms/0.5 mL and 180 micrograms/0.5 mL pre-filled syringes.
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A new 3 mL presentation of Ozempic 0.25 mg/0.5 mg pre-filled pen is now available to replace the 1.5 mL presentation, which is being discontinued.
Latest articles
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Helping pharmacists manage medicine shortages
In many cases, pharmacists and prescribers are able to provide or prescribe another approved medicine that is on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) or they can give a different strength or dosage of the same medicine. -
What you need to know about compounded weight-loss medicines
Some online health clinics are advertising and selling compounded medicines. However, it is important to know that compounded products are not identical to TGA approved products. -
New reporting requirements for medicine shortages
Companies supplying medicines in Australia will be required to provide additional information if their products go into shortage.
Latest publications
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We commissioned the Health Design Lab to conduct market research to better understand the individual consumer, pharmacist and prescriber experiences of shortages and discontinuations.
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Find out how we are managing shortages of medicines and taking action to limit their effects. Read our 2024 report.
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Medicines Safety Update - Information for health professionals