The FDA says that since 2010, the number of drugs either in short supply or not available has risen dramatically.
Most of these are said to be generic drugs given by injections and used in hospitals to treat serious conditions such as breast and testicular cancer.
Experts say that these shortages are putting patients at risk and compromising their care.
The reasons for the shortages: problems in manufacturing, misprints in the drug's labels or packaging, and increased demand. Some believe another reason for shortages may be that companies are using them to increase prices.
The pharmaceutical companies deny that.
