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5.24 Drug Shortages

Last updated on March 2, 2026

General policy description

PharmaCare may decide to cover an alternative drug when a benefit drug is in short supply. When a shortage ends, the alternative product returns to its former benefit status.

Policy details

Drug shortages occur when a manufacturer or supplier cannot provide enough of a drug to fulfill demand. This could be due to issues such as manufacturing disruptions, shipping delays, shortages of the active or non-active pharmaceutical ingredients, or sudden increases in demand.

PharmaCare may cover an alternative drug when a benefit is in short supply. Coverage for the alternative drug is often the same as for the drug in short supply – i.e., covered under the same plan(s), with the same Special Authority requirements (if any).

PharmaCare may, on a last-resort basis, cover a compounded drug as the alternative drug.

The maximum days' supply covered for the alternative drug may be limited to 30 days to preserve supply and reduce the risk of secondary shortages. This can occur whether the alternative is ordinarily a non-benefit or partially covered. The maximum days' supply limit returns to normal once the shortage is resolved. 

For alternative drugs with a maximum days' supply limit, the limit may be lifted on a case-by-case basis, in rare circumstances. Pharmacists can request an exemption by contacting the PharmaCare Help Desk or through Special Authority eForms. They must fully document the reason for the request on the prescription when the request is accepted. 

If PharmaCare is not covering an alternative drug during a shortage

PharmaCare often covers several versions of a drug. If one manufacturer’s version runs short, prescribers and pharmacists may be able to substitute another, comparable product from a different manufacturer. The Low Cost Alternative program provides information about drugs that are interchangeable within the same category.

If PharmaCare decides to not substitute the drug in short supply with another covered product, patients may need to discuss treatment options with a health care provider.

Where to find drug shortages information and covered alternatives

PharmaCare’s Drug shortages web page is continually updated with essential information about drug shortages, including covered alternatives. The page links to:

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