> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.fdaweb.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Senators Urge FDA: Do More to Resolve Drug Shortages
- URL: https://www.fdaweb.com/senators-urge-fda-do-more-to-resolve-drug-shortages/
- Published: 2022-12-01T12:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-14T18:08:07.000Z
- Author: David McFarland
- Tags: Drugs, #legacy-id-D5153305

A [bipartisan letter](https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/%5Fcache/files/0/3/03111246-bda0-459c-b28d-626621a99d16/B2F28D72221D3D145AB93A147425F8EE.amoxicillin-shortage---letter-to-hhs-and-fda.pdf?ref=fdaweb.com) from four senators is urging FDA commissioner **Robert Califf** and HHS secretary **Xavier Becerra** to step up efforts to help resolve amoxicillin and other drug shortages. “The record high levels of respiratory illnesses have spiked demand for amoxicillin and other essential medicines, and patients and providers continue to experience disruptive shortages, which have led to delays in care and compromised health outcomes,” the letter says. “We urge the Department of Health and Human Services and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to convene the Drug Shortage Task Force and work with stakeholders, including providers, on identifying factors and potential solutions to mitigating the amoxicillin shortage. Further, we request an update on FDA initiatives to prevent and mitigate drug shortages.” The letter was signed by Sens. **Amy Klobuchar** (D-MN), **Sherrod Brown** (D-OH), **Ed Markey** (D-MA) and **Bill Cassidy** (R-LA).

Addressing the amoxicillin shortage has been a priority for FDA. Last month, the agency issued an [immediately in effect guidance](https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjExMTguNjY5MjgyMTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5mZGEuZ292L3JlZ3VsYXRvcnktaW5mb3JtYXRpb24vc2VhcmNoLWZkYS1ndWlkYW5jZS1kb2N1bWVudHMvY29tcG91bmRpbmctY2VydGFpbi1iZXRhLWxhY3RhbS1wcm9kdWN0cy1zaG9ydGFnZS11bmRlci1zZWN0aW9uLTUwM2EtZmVkZXJhbC1mb29kLWRydWctYW5kLWNvc21ldGljP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.jSS8hWy%5Fb56p-HcT%5FGppfbtCEJpU7xgwDVUFjgScSOc/s/1255931999/br/148545224502-l?ref=fdaweb.com) on the preparation of beta-lactam oral antibiotic suspension products compounded by pharmacists. The agency said it has received requests for clarification about preparation of compounded versions of the products from FDA-approved tablets and capsules. “The guidance describes steps to reduce the risk of cross-contamination between these and other products,” the agency said. “Amoxicillin is a beta-lactam drug, and compounding this drug in an environment without appropriate safety measures could lead to cross-contamination of other drug products. Beta-lactam drugs can cause life-threatening allergic reactions in some patients.”