Albuterol shortage hits hospitals after manufacturer closes

Where things stand: Albuterol has been on the national medication shortage list for months, and without action by the Food and Drug Administration, a quick replacement is unlikely to materialize in the near future.

• The FDA is reviewing how Akorn's closure will impact the nationwide supply of all the pharmaceuticals they were producing.

The details: Supply chain issues have dogged health care systems throughout the pandemic, including for some of the most commonly used medications.

• The FDA could clarify if a new supplier could purchase the technology from Akorn or needs to submit an abbreviated new drug application — a process that could take months.