The Amikacin Shortage Isn't New — But It's Still a Problem

If you've been prescribed Amikacin and your pharmacy or hospital says it's unavailable, you're experiencing a drug shortage that has been dragging on for years. Amikacin injection — a critical antibiotic used for serious and drug-resistant bacterial infections — has been on and off shortage lists since at least 2015.

In this 2026 update, we'll cover the current state of the shortage, what's driving it, how much Amikacin costs, and what you can do to find it.

Is Amikacin Still in Shortage in 2026?

Yes. As of early 2026, Amikacin injection remains listed on the ASHP Drug Shortage Database as a current shortage. Specifically:

• Hikma (West-Ward) has the 250 mg/mL 2 mL and 4 mL vials on long-term back order with no estimated release date
• Other manufacturers may have limited or intermittent supply of certain vial sizes
• The FDA is aware of the supply situation and working with manufacturers

The shortage affects the generic injectable form of Amikacin — the formulation used in hospitals and outpatient IV therapy. The branded inhalation product Arikayce (made by Insmed for MAC lung disease) is a separate product with its own supply chain.

Why Is Amikacin Hard to Find?

The Amikacin shortage is driven by a perfect storm of factors:

Limited Manufacturers

Only a small number of companies produce generic Amikacin injection in the U.S. When one manufacturer experiences problems, there aren't enough others to pick up the slack. For a deeper look at this issue, read why Amikacin is so hard to find.

Manufacturing Complexity

Sterile injectable drugs require specialized facilities and strict quality controls. Any manufacturing issue — from equipment failures to quality inspection findings — can shut down a production line for months.

Supply Chain Fragility

Active pharmaceutical ingredients for Amikacin are often sourced internationally. Global supply chain disruptions can delay production even when manufacturing facilities are ready.

Low Economic Incentive

Generic injectable antibiotics like Amikacin have thin profit margins, which discourages investment in additional manufacturing capacity.

How Much Does Amikacin Cost in 2026?

Amikacin is available only as a generic injectable (the brand name Amikin has been discontinued). Here's what you can expect to pay:

• Cash price without insurance: Approximately $53 to $161 for a 10-vial supply of 500 mg/2 mL vials
• With discount coupons: As low as $41 for the same supply using SingleCare or similar programs
• Hospital/clinical setting: Costs are typically bundled into your facility charges and covered by insurance

Because Amikacin is usually administered in a healthcare facility, most patients don't pay for it directly — it's part of the hospital or infusion center billing. However, if you're receiving home IV therapy, you may see these costs on your pharmacy bill. For tips on reducing your costs, check out our guide on how to save money on Amikacin.

Are There New Options in 2026?

While no new generic Amikacin manufacturers have entered the market recently, there are a few developments worth noting:

• Plazomicin (Zemdri) — a newer aminoglycoside that may work against Amikacin-resistant bacteria — remains available for complicated urinary tract infections
• Arikayce — the liposomal inhalation form of Amikacin by Insmed — continues to be available for MAC lung disease, though it's a specialty product with a very different price point
• The FDA continues to work on initiatives to address drug shortages for essential medications, including injectable antibiotics

Your doctor may also consider non-aminoglycoside alternatives depending on your infection. See our full guide on alternatives to Amikacin.

How to Find Amikacin in Stock

Despite the shortage, Amikacin is not completely unavailable — it just takes more effort to find. Here's what to do:

1. Use Medfinder to search for real-time Amikacin availability at pharmacies and suppliers near you
2. Contact specialty and home infusion pharmacies, which are more likely to stock injectable antibiotics
3. Ask your hospital pharmacy about their current supply and whether they can source it through their wholesaler
4. Check with 503B compounding pharmacies, which can produce sterile injectables during shortages
5. Stay informed by following the ASHP Drug Shortage Database and our guide to finding Amikacin in stock

Final Thoughts

The Amikacin shortage is a frustrating reality in 2026, but being informed is your best defense. Know your options, use the right tools to search for availability, and work closely with your healthcare team. If Amikacin truly can't be found, your doctor can guide you toward an effective alternative.

Stay up to date with our other Amikacin resources: what Amikacin is, side effects to watch for, and drug interactions to avoid.