Medicine shortage supply
When a registered medicine runs short, hospitals and wholesalers can often import an equivalent from another market for the duration of the shortage. We find the same molecule, strength and form from licensed manufacturers and supply it with the documents your regulator expects.
In short
Shortage supply means importing an equivalent medicine, usually the same active ingredient, strength and dosage form from another market, while the locally registered product is unavailable. MedsAcross identifies licensed sources, compares pack, storage and lead time, and supplies hospitals and licensed wholesalers under the destination's rules for unlicensed imports.
What it is
Regulators publish shortage information, for example the US FDA drug shortages database and the EMA's medicine data. A shortage notice does not by itself allow an import, but many regulators accept unlicensed imports when the registered product cannot be obtained.
We match the molecule, strength and dosage form, then show the differences that matter to a pharmacist: pack size, storage, labelling language, shelf life and lead time. The prescriber or pharmacist decides whether the alternative is suitable.
Who it is for
- Hospital pharmacies facing a stock-out
- Licensed wholesalers and importers
- Ministries of health and central medical stores
- NGOs running treatment programmes
Who uses this service
How it works, step by step
Typical times from our process. Your quote shows the lead time for your medicine and your country.
- 1
Tell us what is short
Same dayMedicine, strength, form, monthly quantity, destination and how long you expect the shortage to last.
- 2
Alternatives
24 to 48 hoursWe list equivalent presentations with manufacturer, pack, storage and lead time.
- 3
Import route
Within 1 business dayWe confirm the route your regulator allows and the documents needed.
- 4
Quote
With the alternativesFirm price, validity, Incoterm and lead time for the alternative you choose.
- 5
Payment
Before procurementAdvance payment by wire for first orders. Verified institutions can move to other terms later.
- 6
Dispatch and repeat supply
7 to 10 days, then transitProcured, documented and shipped, with repeat shipments planned while the shortage lasts.
Documents needed
Your quote comes with a checklist that shows who provides each document and its status.
Import licence or shortage authorisation
The permit that allows you to import the unlicensed equivalent.
Certificate of analysis
For each batch supplied.
COPP or free sale certificate
Where your regulator asks for proof that the product is authorised in its country of origin.
Product information
The approved label or leaflet from the origin market, so prescribers can compare.
Commercial invoice and packing list
With batch, expiry and quantities.
Legal route notes
Rules differ by country and change over time. Each note cites a regulator or a published legal analysis. Your local regulatory adviser confirms the route for your case.
The US FDA publishes current and resolved drug shortages in a public database.
Source: US FDA, drug shortages database
The European Medicines Agency publishes downloadable data on medicines, including a shortages table.
United Kingdom. An unlicensed import needs a special clinical need, and when a licensed equivalent becomes available the case for the unlicensed product changes.
Source: MHRA Inspectorate, supply of unlicensed medicines when a licensed equivalent exists
United Kingdom. The importer notifies the MHRA, the import must not proceed if the MHRA objects within 28 days, and urgent cases are assessed in about 2 working days.
Source: GOV.UK, notification of intent to import an unlicensed medicine
Check your country
Each import guide lists the regulator, the legal routes, the documents and typical approval times.
Questions and answers
Is an alternative from India the same medicine?
It has the same active ingredient, strength and dosage form, but it may differ in excipients, pack, labelling language and shelf life. We show those differences, and the prescriber or pharmacist decides.
Can you supply for the whole shortage period?
Yes. We can plan monthly or quarterly shipments against one quote, as long as the import approval stays valid.
Do you track shortages?
Our shortage tracker is built from public regulator data and links each shortage to alternatives we can source.
Tell us what is short
Send the medicine and the quantity you need each month. We reply with equivalents, the route and a quote.