The Alitretinoin Shortage in 2026: What You Need to Know

If you're a patient who relies on Alitretinoin — sold as Panretin Gel — to manage Kaposi sarcoma lesions, the past year has been stressful. A drug shortage that began in 2025 continues to affect availability in 2026, leaving patients scrambling to fill their prescriptions.

In this update, we'll cover where things stand right now, why the shortage happened, what it's costing patients, and what you can do about it.

Is Alitretinoin Still in Shortage?

Yes. As of early 2026, Panretin Gel remains in limited supply across the United States. The shortage began in 2025 due to manufacturing issues at the production facility. While steps have been taken to address the problem — including an FDA decision in December 2025 to allow the sale of EU-approved Panretin Gel tubes in the US — supply has not fully recovered.

Patients in some areas may find the medication available at specialty pharmacies, while others continue to face empty shelves. The situation varies significantly by region and pharmacy type.

Why Is Alitretinoin Hard to Find?

Several factors have converged to create the current shortage:

• Manufacturing disruption: The production facility experienced issues that reduced output. Since there is only one manufacturer (Advanz Pharma) for this product, any disruption has an outsized impact.
• No generic alternative: There is no FDA-approved generic version of Panretin. Every patient competes for the same limited supply from a single source.
• Specialty distribution: Panretin Gel is a high-cost specialty medication that isn't stocked at most retail pharmacies. It's typically only available through specialty pharmacies, further limiting access points.
• Small patient population: Because AIDS-related Kaposi sarcoma is relatively rare, Panretin Gel has never been produced in large volumes. Even a small production disruption can wipe out available supply quickly.

For more background, see our detailed explainer on why Alitretinoin is so hard to find.

What Does Alitretinoin Cost in 2026?

The cost of Panretin Gel remains extremely high:

• Cash price: $6,000 to $7,500 per 60-gram tube
• With discount cards: Around $5,950 to $6,000 through GoodRx or SingleCare
• Insurance: Most Medicare and commercial insurance plans cover Panretin, but prior authorization is typically required. Even with coverage, copays for specialty medications can be substantial.

The shortage has not significantly changed the price, but it has made comparison shopping more difficult since fewer pharmacies have stock to price-check against. For strategies to reduce your costs, see our guide on how to save money on Alitretinoin.

New Options: FDA Allows EU-Labeled Panretin

In December 2025, the FDA took the unusual step of allowing the importation and sale of EU-approved Panretin Gel tubes in the United States. This means you may see Panretin with European labeling at your pharmacy — and that's OK. It's the same medication, just packaged for the European market.

This move was designed to supplement the reduced US supply while the manufacturer works to resolve its production issues. However, the imported supply is also limited, so it hasn't completely solved the availability problem.

How to Find Alitretinoin in Stock Right Now

Here's what you can do today:

1. Search on Medfinder: Use Medfinder to check which pharmacies near you have Alitretinoin in stock. This is the fastest way to avoid wasted phone calls.
2. Contact specialty pharmacies: Ask your oncologist or HIV specialist for referrals to specialty pharmacies that carry oncology medications.
3. Call Eisai directly: As the US distributor, Eisai may be able to help you locate available supply or connect you with their Patient Assistance Program.
4. Ask about EU-labeled stock: If your pharmacy says they're out, specifically ask if they can order the FDA-authorized EU-labeled version of Panretin.
5. Request a waitlist: Put yourself on waiting lists at multiple pharmacies so you'll be contacted when new supply arrives.

For a more detailed strategy, read our guide on how to find Alitretinoin in stock near you.

Talk to Your Doctor About a Backup Plan

While you continue searching for Panretin Gel, it's wise to have a conversation with your healthcare provider about what to do if you can't get it. Depending on your medical situation, alternatives such as intralesional Vinblastine, topical Imiquimod (Aldara), or topical Timolol may be appropriate options.

Don't wait until you've completely run out of medication to have this conversation. Being proactive gives your doctor time to evaluate your options and transition your care smoothly if needed. See our post on alternatives to Alitretinoin for more details.

Final Thoughts

The Alitretinoin shortage is a real and ongoing problem in 2026. It's caused by manufacturing issues, a lack of generic alternatives, and the inherently limited distribution of specialty medications. But you have options — from using tools like Medfinder to search for stock, to working with your healthcare team on alternative treatments.

Stay informed, stay proactive, and don't hesitate to ask for help. We'll continue updating this page as the shortage situation evolves.