Amantadine shortage update: What patients need to know in 2026

Updated:

March 25, 2026

Author:

Peter Daggett

Summarize this blog with AI:

Get the latest Amantadine shortage update for 2026. Learn which forms are affected, what the FDA is doing, and how patients can find their medication.

Amantadine Shortage Update for 2026: What You Need to Know

The Amantadine shortage that began affecting patients in 2024 continues into 2026. If you depend on this medication for Parkinson's disease, dyskinesia, or other conditions, this update covers everything you need to know — what's happening, why, and what you can do about it.

Current Status of the Amantadine Shortage

As of early 2026, Amantadine remains in limited supply at many pharmacies across the United States. The shortage primarily affects:

  • Amantadine hydrochloride 100 mg capsules — the most commonly prescribed form
  • Generic immediate-release formulations from major manufacturers

The FDA and the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) continue to track the situation. While not every pharmacy is affected, many patients report difficulty filling prescriptions, especially in certain regions.

Why Is Amantadine in Short Supply?

The shortage stems from several overlapping factors:

Manufacturer Discontinuations

The largest driver of the shortage is that Strides Pharma and Teva Pharmaceuticals both discontinued their Amantadine hydrochloride 100 mg capsule products. These were business decisions — not safety recalls. With two major manufacturers out, the remaining producers haven't been able to fully meet demand.

Limited Manufacturing Capacity

Generic medications like Amantadine often have thin profit margins. This means fewer companies are motivated to enter or expand production, even when demand rises. The economics of generic drug manufacturing are a systemic problem that affects many medications beyond Amantadine.

Growing Patient Population

The number of Americans living with Parkinson's disease is increasing as the population ages. The Parkinson's Foundation estimates that nearly 1 million people in the U.S. live with the condition, with that number projected to rise. More patients means more prescriptions and more demand for drugs like Amantadine.

Supply Chain Pressures

Pharmaceutical supply chains remain under stress from global disruptions affecting raw materials, shipping, and production schedules. Even small delays at one point in the chain can create downstream shortages.

For a deeper dive into the causes, see our article on why Amantadine is so hard to find in 2026.

What the FDA Is Doing

The FDA monitors drug shortages and works with manufacturers to address supply gaps. Their role includes:

  • Communicating with remaining Amantadine manufacturers about increasing production
  • Expediting regulatory processes for companies that want to start or resume manufacturing
  • Maintaining a public drug shortage database where patients and providers can check status

However, the FDA cannot force a company to manufacture a drug. The agency works within its regulatory authority to encourage resolution, but timelines depend on industry decisions.

Which Forms of Amantadine Are Still Available?

While 100 mg capsules are most affected, other forms may still be available:

FormAvailabilityNotes
100 mg capsules (generic)LimitedMost affected by the shortage
100 mg tablets (generic)Better availabilitySame drug, different form
Oral solution (50 mg/5 mL)Generally availableGood option if you can't find solid forms
Gocovri (ER capsules)AvailableBrand-name; significantly more expensive
Osmolex ER (ER tablets)AvailableBrand-name; requires prior auth from many insurers

Talk to your doctor about whether a different form could work for you.

What Patients Should Do Right Now

1. Don't Wait Until You Run Out

If you still have Amantadine, plan ahead. Refill your prescription as early as your insurance allows — typically 7 days before your supply runs out. If you're on a 30-day supply, consider asking your doctor about switching to a 90-day mail-order prescription.

2. Use Pharmacy Finder Tools

MedFinder helps you search for pharmacies that have Amantadine in stock. It's faster than calling pharmacies one by one, and it's free. Read our full guide on how to find Amantadine in stock near you.

3. Talk to Your Doctor

Keep your prescribing physician informed about any difficulty filling your prescription. They can:

  • Switch your prescription to a different available form
  • Help you explore brand-name options if generics aren't available
  • Discuss temporary alternatives if needed

4. Know Your Alternative Options

If the time comes when you truly can't find Amantadine in any form, your doctor can work with you on alternatives. We've outlined the options in our guide on alternatives to Amantadine.

5. Never Stop Abruptly

We can't stress this enough: do not suddenly stop taking Amantadine. Abrupt discontinuation can trigger neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), which can be life-threatening. If you're running low and can't find more, call your doctor immediately to discuss a safe plan.

Saving Money During the Shortage

Shortages can sometimes drive up costs, especially if you need to switch to a brand-name product. Here are ways to keep costs manageable:

  • Discount cards: GoodRx, SingleCare, and RxSaver can bring generic Amantadine down to $14-30 per month
  • Patient assistance programs: Gocovri Onboard offers copay assistance for commercially insured patients
  • Third-party organizations: NeedyMeds and RxAssist can connect you with financial help

For a comprehensive cost-saving guide, see how to save money on Amantadine in 2026.

Looking Ahead

There is no confirmed date for when the Amantadine shortage will fully resolve. As long as the number of manufacturers remains limited, supply will likely stay tight. However, as demand becomes more visible and advocacy grows, there's hope that additional manufacturers may enter the market.

We'll continue to update this page as the situation evolves. In the meantime, stay proactive, work closely with your healthcare team, and use tools like MedFinder to find what you need.

How long will the Amantadine shortage last in 2026?

There is no confirmed end date for the Amantadine shortage. The timeline depends on whether remaining manufacturers can increase production or new manufacturers enter the market. The FDA is monitoring the situation but cannot force companies to produce the drug.

Is the Amantadine shortage a safety recall?

No. The shortage is caused by manufacturers discontinuing production for business reasons, not because of safety concerns. Amantadine itself remains safe and effective when used as prescribed.

Can I use Gocovri or Osmolex ER instead of generic Amantadine during the shortage?

Possibly, but these brand-name extended-release versions are significantly more expensive and may require prior authorization from your insurance. Talk to your doctor and insurance company about whether this is a viable option. The Gocovri manufacturer offers a copay assistance program.

What should I do if I'm about to run out of Amantadine?

Don't panic, but act quickly. Use MedFinder (medfinder.com) to search for nearby pharmacies with stock, call your doctor about switching to a different available form, and never stop the medication abruptly. Your doctor can help you taper safely if you truly can't find any supply.

Why waste time calling, coordinating, and hunting?

You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.

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