Is Adempas Still in Shortage in 2026?

If you rely on Adempas (Riociguat) to manage your pulmonary hypertension, you may have heard rumors about shortages or experienced difficulty getting your prescription filled. It's a valid concern — when your medication keeps you healthy, any disruption to your supply is stressful.

Here's the current picture: as of early 2026, Adempas is not listed on the FDA's drug shortage database. There is no official supply shortage from the manufacturer, Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals. The medication is being produced and distributed to certified pharmacies.

However, that doesn't mean every patient can easily get their hands on it. The reality is more nuanced.

Why Is Adempas Hard to Find If There's No Shortage?

Even without an official shortage, many patients report difficulty filling their Adempas prescriptions. There are several reasons for this:

The REMS Program Limits Distribution

Adempas can only be dispensed through pharmacies certified under the Adempas REMS program. This is because the medication carries a boxed warning for embryo-fetal toxicity — it can cause serious birth defects if taken during pregnancy. The REMS program restricts distribution to specialty pharmacies that meet specific safety requirements.

This means most retail pharmacies — including major chains like CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid — cannot fill an Adempas prescription. For a deeper explanation, see our guide on why Adempas is so hard to find.

Insurance Hurdles Cause Delays

Adempas is classified as a specialty tier medication by most insurance plans, which means it often requires:

• Prior authorization — your insurance needs to approve coverage before the pharmacy can dispense it
• Specialty pharmacy requirements — many plans require you to use a specific specialty pharmacy
• High copays or coinsurance — even with coverage, out-of-pocket costs can be significant

These administrative requirements can create delays of days or even weeks, especially for first-time fills or annual authorization renewals.

It Treats Rare Conditions

PAH and CTEPH affect a relatively small number of patients compared to more common conditions. Because demand is lower, fewer pharmacies stock it, and the distribution network is smaller. This is normal for specialty medications but can frustrate patients who are used to filling prescriptions quickly.

How Much Does Adempas Cost in 2026?

Cost remains a significant barrier for many patients. Here's what you can expect to pay:

• Without insurance: Approximately $14,000 to $15,000 per month for a 90-tablet supply (taken three times daily at the maintenance dose). That works out to about $161 per tablet.
• With commercial insurance: Copays vary widely depending on your plan. Specialty tier copays or coinsurance can range from $50 to several thousand dollars per month.
• With Medicare Part D: Adempas is typically covered under Part D specialty tiers. Out-of-pocket costs depend on your plan and whether you've reached the catastrophic coverage phase. The Inflation Reduction Act's $2,000 out-of-pocket cap for Medicare Part D (effective 2025) may help limit annual costs.

For a full breakdown of ways to lower your costs, check out our guide on how to save money on Adempas.

Are There New Options in 2026?

A few developments may help Adempas patients in 2026:

Generic Riociguat Approval

The FDA has approved a generic version of Riociguat. However, as of early 2026, it is not yet commercially available. When it does launch, it could provide significant cost savings — though it will still likely require distribution through the REMS program.

Combination Therapy Updates

Adempas can now be used in combination with other PAH medications, including endothelin receptor antagonists (ERAs) like Macitentan and prostacyclin analogs like inhaled Treprostinil. If your current monotherapy isn't providing adequate control, your doctor may discuss adding Adempas to an existing regimen — or vice versa.

For information about other medications in the same space, see our guide on alternatives to Adempas.

How to Find Adempas in Stock Right Now

Here are the most effective steps to get your Adempas prescription filled:

1. Use Medfinder

Medfinder lets you search for pharmacies that currently have Adempas in stock near your location. It's the quickest way to cut through the guesswork.

2. Contact the Aim Patient Support Program

Bayer's Aim Patient Support Program (855-423-3672) can help you:

• Find a REMS-certified specialty pharmacy
• Navigate insurance prior authorizations
• Access copay assistance if you're commercially insured
• Apply for free medication if you're uninsured and meet income requirements

3. Work With Your Prescriber

Your doctor's office — especially if they specialize in pulmonary hypertension — has experience navigating the REMS system and can connect you with the right specialty pharmacy. Don't hesitate to ask for help.

4. Order Refills Early

Contact your specialty pharmacy at least two weeks before you run out. This gives them time to handle insurance verification and REMS compliance. Setting up auto-refills, if available, can also help prevent gaps.

For more detailed tips, read our guide on how to find Adempas in stock near you.

Final Thoughts

There's no official shortage of Adempas in 2026, but the REMS restrictions, specialty pharmacy requirements, and insurance hurdles can make it feel like there is. Understanding the system and using the right tools — like Medfinder and Bayer's Aim program — can help you stay on top of your medication supply.

If you're having trouble with access or cost, you're not alone, and there are resources available to help. Stay proactive, plan ahead for refills, and keep your healthcare team informed about any issues you're facing.

Explore related topics: What is Adempas? | Side effects to watch for | Finding a prescriber near you