The majority of drugs in tight supply are generics, most commonly anesthetics, antibiotics, and some cancer treatments, and injectable forms of some of the most commonly used agents in hospitals (eg, morphine, norepinephrine, electrolytes). Although shortages continue to challenge many facilities, fewer medications are on shortage than were a few years ago. Likewise, shortages are having less of an effect on day-to-day practice. Nevertheless, generic drug shortages cost pharmacies money by forcing the purchase of alternative agents and by requiring increases in inventory carrying costs. 

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