Is There an Afterpill Shortage in 2026?

If you've been trying to get your hands on Afterpill or other emergency contraception and coming up empty, you're probably wondering: is there a shortage?

The short answer is that there is no official nationwide shortage of Levonorgestrel 1.5 mg emergency contraceptives in 2026. The FDA's drug shortage database does not currently list levonorgestrel as being in short supply. However, that doesn't mean finding it is always easy — especially if you're looking for the Afterpill brand specifically.

Here's what's really going on with Afterpill availability in 2026, what it costs, and exactly what you can do if you can't find it.

Is Afterpill Still in Shortage?

Afterpill was never technically in a "shortage" in the traditional pharmaceutical sense. Unlike prescription medications that go through hospital and pharmacy supply chains, Afterpill is sold directly to consumers online through AfterPill.com.

That said, the broader emergency contraception market has experienced real supply disruptions in recent years:

• Summer 2022: After the Dobbs v. Jackson Supreme Court decision overturned Roe v. Wade, demand for emergency contraceptives surged dramatically. Major retailers like Amazon, CVS, and Walmart temporarily limited purchases of Plan B and generics to 3 units per customer.
• Late 2022-2023: Supply gradually normalized, but some pharmacies — especially in rural areas and states with new reproductive health legislation — continued to report intermittent stockouts.
• 2024-2025: Availability largely stabilized across the country. Manufacturers increased production to meet the new baseline demand.
• 2026: No widespread shortage. Levonorgestrel products are generally available at major pharmacy chains and online. Afterpill continues to sell through its website.

Why Is Afterpill Still Hard to Find?

Even without a shortage, several factors make Afterpill specifically harder to locate than other emergency contraceptives:

Online-Only Distribution

Afterpill is not sold in brick-and-mortar pharmacies. Its online model keeps the price low (~$20 + $5 shipping) but means you can't pick it up same-day. If you need emergency contraception urgently, this is a real barrier.

State-Level Access Issues

Some states have enacted laws that create hurdles for accessing emergency contraception, including pharmacist refusal clauses or additional requirements. While these don't target Afterpill specifically, they affect the whole category.

Pharmacy Stocking Decisions

Individual pharmacies decide what to stock based on demand. In some areas — particularly rural communities or regions where emergency contraception sells less frequently — stores may carry limited quantities or only one brand.

For a detailed breakdown of all the reasons, read why Afterpill is so hard to find.

How Much Does Afterpill Cost in 2026?

Here's what you can expect to pay for emergency contraception in 2026:

• Afterpill (online) — ~$20 + $5 shipping = $25 total
• Plan B One-Step (pharmacy) — $40-50
• Take Action (pharmacy) — $25-40
• My Way (pharmacy) — $20-40
• EContra One-Step (pharmacy) — $20-35
• Ella (prescription) — $40-65

With insurance and a prescription, emergency contraception may be covered at no cost under the ACA's preventive care mandate. Even OTC purchases may be reimbursable if you get a prescription first. Check our guide to saving money on Afterpill for more details.

New Options and Developments in 2026

The emergency contraception landscape continues to evolve:

• Expanded telehealth access: More platforms now offer quick prescriptions for Ella, making the 5-day emergency contraceptive easier to access than ever.
• Opill (Norgestrel 0.075 mg): While not an emergency contraceptive, Opill became the first daily birth control pill available OTC in the US in 2024. Having an OTC daily contraceptive option reduces the need for emergency contraception overall.
• Ongoing generic competition: More generic levonorgestrel products continue to enter the market, which helps keep prices down and availability up.

How to Find Emergency Contraception in Stock Right Now

If you need emergency contraception today, here are your best options:

1. Use Medfinder to check which pharmacies near you have levonorgestrel in stock.
2. Call your nearest pharmacy and ask for any brand of levonorgestrel 1.5 mg — don't limit yourself to one brand name.
3. Try independent pharmacies if chain stores are sold out.
4. Visit Planned Parenthood or a Title X clinic — they often have emergency contraception on-site.
5. Use telehealth for an Ella prescription if you're past the 72-hour window or need an alternative.

For a complete guide, see how to find Afterpill in stock near you.

Final Thoughts

There's no nationwide shortage of Afterpill or levonorgestrel emergency contraceptives in 2026. Availability is generally good, though finding the Afterpill brand specifically requires ordering online. If you need emergency contraception quickly, equivalent products are widely available at pharmacies across the country.

The best strategy is to have emergency contraception on hand before you need it. At $25 shipped, Afterpill makes that easy and affordable. And if you ever find yourself in an urgent situation, Medfinder can help you find what you need nearby.