I think there has been a shortage of Solu-cortef since the fall, though I did get a prescription filled here in November (just to be prepared) and did not experience a problem.  This is what the govt website on drug shortages has to say about it.  (Solu-cortef is the brand name for the product put out by Pharmacia.  The chemical compound itself is called "hydrocortisone sodium succinate.") 

If you are having problems getting Solu-cortef in your area, there are injectable forms of prednisone and dexamthesone that can be used as substitutes, though they will not have the same salt-retaining properties as Solu-cortef (something to discuss with the doctor, if a substitute is prescribed). 

Good luck to all.

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http://ashp.org/shortage/methylprednisolone.cfm?cfid=16564903&CFToken=54747913

 

Glucocorticoids for Injection
30 January 2003

Products affected

Hydrocortisone sodium succinate

• Solu-Cortef 100 mg vials (00009-0825-07), 100-mg 2 mL Act-O-Vial in single-vial packages (00009-0900-13) and 25-vial packages (00009-0900-20), 250-mg 2 mL Act-O-Vial in single-vial packages (0009-0909-08) and 25-vial packages (0009-0909-16), 500 mg Act-O-Vial in single-vial packages (0009-0912-05), and 1000 mg Act-O-Vial in single-vial packages (0009-0920-03),

Reasons for the shortages

Hydrocortisone sodium succinate

Abbott’s hydrocortisone sodium succinate products are on nationwide back order due to manufacturing difficulties.¹ Pharmacia’s 100 mg products are on nationwide back order due to the implementation of a new sterile product process as well as an increased demand for the product.²

Estimated resupply dates

Hydrocortisone sodium succinate

• Abbott has no hydrocortisone in stock. The company estimates a release date by the end of April 2003 for the 100 mg vials and mid-December 2003 for the 250 mg vials. The company has discontinued production of the 500 mg and 1 g vials.¹
• Pharmacia is allocating the 100 mg vials and estimates it will have the 250 mg and 1000 mg vials available for allocation in mid-February 2003 and the 500 mg vials in April 2003.²

Implications for patient care

Hydrocortisone possesses both mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid activity and is generally considered the first-line agent for treating adrenocrotical insufficiency. Because other corticosteroids primarily have glucocorticoid activity (Table 1), concomitant mineralocorticoid supplementation with fludrocortisone may be required in these patients.^4,7,8