Monthly Hospital Supply Chain Update – Top Shortages March 2026
Staying ahead of product shortages and market disruptions is a constant challenge for hospitals, surgery centers, and specialty practices. TCC Pharma shares frequent and timely updates on recalls, trending product requests, and availability insights to help your team plan ahead and keep patient care moving forward.
This month, ophthalmic products are a major focus, along with several injectable medications and OR/warming supplies that are creating sourcing challenges nationwide.
Alcohol Prep Pads (Webcol™ 70%) Shortage
Certain lots were recalled due to sterility concerns following contamination findings. Availability remains limited while recalled lots are removed from circulation. Recovery timelines are pending manufacturer updates.
If your facility relies on this product and would like to be added to our notification list for future availability, our team can keep you informed as soon as stock becomes available. Please reach out to us at salessupport@tccpharma.com to be added to our notification list.
Potential Workaround Options
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Other sterile alcohol prep pads from approved manufacturers
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Confirm sterility assurance and sourcing channels before substitution
Forced Air Warming Blankets (3M™ Bair Hugger™) Shortage/Availability
Intermittent supply constraints are affecting multiple SKUs due to manufacturer machine upgrades impacting production. Some SKUs are prioritized, while others remain more widely available. Expected recovery is projected for Q2 2026.
Potential Workaround Options
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Alternate warming blanket sizes or configurations
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Evaluate inventory planning for high-usage OR cases
Waterless Surgical Scrub (3M™ Avagard™ CHG) Shortage
Supply remains inconsistent due to raw material delays. Availability is currently limited, with recovery expected in March 2026.
Potential Workaround Options
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Comparable CHG-based surgical scrubs
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Review usage protocols to conserve supply where appropriate
Ophthalmics Shortage/Availability
Continued demand for TissueBlue® and VisionBlue® persists due to manufacturer delays.
Recent recalls of multiple fluorescein ophthalmic strip products have caused a widespread shortage. At this time, these strips are difficult to source, and availability remains limited throughout the industry.
Manufacturers and distributors are working toward recovery, but extended backorders are expected in the near term. We are actively monitoring the market and pursuing replenishment opportunities as they arise.
If your facility relies on fluorescein strips and would like to be added to our notification list for future availability, our team can keep you informed as soon as stock becomes available. Please reach out to us at salessupport@tccpharma.com to be added to our notification list.
Many ophthalmic departments have also experienced supply challenges with VisionBlue and TissueBlue products in recent months.
At this time, we are pleased to report that both items are currently available through TCC Pharma, with immediate availability. For customers with ongoing usage needs, we also offer the ability to reserve stock and establish consistent ordering programs to prevent future disruptions.
If you are interested in setting up a standing supply arrangement, simply share your approximate monthly usage, and our team will help create a plan tailored to your facility.
Hospital Supply Chain Update
Medication shortages are only one part of today’s healthcare supply challenges. Many hospitals are also facing limited availability of essential medical supplies, procedural products, and diagnostic items. Over the past several weeks, TCC Pharma has received a growing number of requests from supply chain departments looking for help locating everyday products that have suddenly become difficult to obtain.
Products in High Demand Right Now
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Lidocaine (all formulations)
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Triamcinolone acetonide (Kenalog)
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Azithromycin IV
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Indocyanine Green (ICG)
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Epinephrine prefilled syringes
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Ophthalmic dyes (VisionBlue®, TissueBlue®)
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Dextrose 50% prefilled syringes
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Fluorescein-related ophthalmic products
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Sterile prep products
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OR warming equipment
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Diagnostic and imaging supplies
Many of these products have experienced intermittent backorders from primary suppliers, emphasizing the need for reliable secondary sourcing.
Department-Specific Pressures
Radiology / Imaging: Ongoing demand for contrast agents such as Optiray, Isovue, and Omnipaque, with facilities closely monitoring availability.
Surgery / OR: Warming blankets, surgical gowns, and ophthalmic dyes continue to see elevated usage and sourcing challenges.
Pharmacy / Nursing: Prefilled syringes and emergency medications remain a key focus, with consistent demand across departments.
Special Update for Ambulatory Surgery Centers
Ambulatory Surgery Centers continue to feel the impact of ongoing medication shortages, particularly within ophthalmology and anesthesia-related products. Over the past several weeks, many of our ASC partners have reached out for help sourcing essential procedure medications.
If your facility has been struggling to obtain key drugs lately, you are not alone. Our team is actively supporting centers nationwide with fast-turnaround availability checks and alternative sourcing options.
Current Areas of Focus for ASCs
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Injectables (anesthetics, steroids, cardiovascular agents)
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Ophthalmic surgical products
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Contrast media and imaging agents
Frequently Requested ASC Products
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Lidocaine (plain and with epinephrine)
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Triamcinolone acetonide (Kenalog)
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Indocyanine Green (ICG)
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Optiray (Ioversol)
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Epinephrine prefilled syringes
Availability for many of these products can change rapidly. Some are experiencing intermittent backorders, while others require proactive planning due to more severe shortages.
Overall Trending Shortages and High-Demand Products
We continue to see elevated demand and limited supply for a variety of hospital medications. Some of the most frequently requested items this month include:
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Alcohol prep pads (Webcol™ 70%)
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Forced Air Warming Blankets (3M™ Bair Hugger™)
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Waterless Surgical Scrubs (3M™ Avagard™ CHG)
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Ophthalmic dyes (VisionBlue®, TissueBlue®)
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Lidocaine prefilled syringes
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Epinephrine prefilled syringes
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Dextrose 50% prefilled syringes
Several of these products are experiencing severe shortages nationwide. TCC Pharma maintains active notification lists for many hard-to-source items. If there is a product you are struggling to obtain, we can alert you as soon as availability changes.
Veterinary Market Update
Veterinary hospitals are currently facing many of the same supply chain challenges as human healthcare facilities. Product demand continues to fluctuate, and certain medications commonly used in animal health are consistently difficult to source.
This month, we are seeing especially high request volume for ophthalmic supplies, injectable corticosteroids, contrast agents, and several critical care medications.
Trending Veterinary Products
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Hetastarch
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Freestyle Libre sensors and readers
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Azithromycin
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Erythromycin
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IVIG (Privigen)
Key Shortage Highlights
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Hetastarch: Availability is improving with more consistent pricing and supply entering the market after a period of high demand.
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Erythromycin Injection: Recent releases have improved access, though demand remains elevated across veterinary and human facilities.
Notification List – Veterinary
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Abelcet – discontinued; please reach out to inquire about alternative Amphotericin B products
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Gabapentin Oral Solution – restricted states apply
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KBroVet Tablets (all sizes)
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Prednisolone 5mg tablets
Availability for many of these products can change quickly. Our team monitors trends closely and secures inventory as soon as opportunities arise.
How TCC Pharma Can Help
TCC Pharma specializes in sourcing hard-to-find and backordered medications and supplies across human and veterinary healthcare. Whether you are managing ongoing shortages or planning ahead, our team provides fast, reliable access to products through an extensive sourcing network and real-time availability support.
Stay Connected
Keep an eye on our Trending Product Directory for the latest updates one what products we are sourcing for your type of healthcare facility.
If you are experiencing shortages or want to get in touch, contact us or submit a quote request.
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