If you’ve gone to pick up a prescription lately only to hear “we’re waiting on a shipment,” you’re not alone. Across the country, pharmacies are reporting growing delays involving medications used to treat high blood pressure, diabetes, and other chronic health conditions. For older Americans, especially, these shortages are creating serious stress because missing even a few doses can lead to dangerous health complications. Industry experts say the number of active drug shortages in the U.S. has continued climbing in 2026, with supply chain problems, manufacturing slowdowns, and rising demand all playing a role.
