Amylase/Papain Shortage Update: What Patients Need to Know in 2026

If you depend on Amylase/Papain digestive enzyme supplements, the past few years have been a rollercoaster. One month your brand is on the shelf, the next it's nowhere to be found. In 2026, availability remains uneven — and patients are understandably frustrated.

In this update, we'll cover the current shortage situation, explain why Amylase/Papain is still hard to find, break down what it costs right now, and share the best strategies for getting your hands on it.

Is Amylase/Papain Still in Shortage?

There is no formal FDA-reported shortage of Amylase/Papain digestive enzyme supplements, because these products are sold as over-the-counter dietary supplements rather than prescription drugs. The FDA's drug shortage tracking system only monitors prescription medications.

However, patients report significant difficulty finding specific brands and formulations of Amylase/Papain on store shelves and online. This is effectively a practical shortage — the products exist, but getting them requires more effort than it should.

It's important to note the distinction between oral Amylase/Papain supplements (which are still manufactured) and topical papain-urea products like Accuzyme and Panafil (which were permanently removed from the U.S. market in 2008-2009 after the FDA ordered companies to stop manufacturing them due to severe hypersensitivity and anaphylaxis concerns).

Why Is Amylase/Papain Hard to Find?

Several factors are contributing to the current availability challenges:

• Supply chain strain: Papain is derived from papaya fruit, which is grown primarily in tropical regions. Weather events, agricultural disruptions, and shipping delays can all limit raw material availability for supplement manufacturers.
• Rising demand: The gut health and digestive wellness market has exploded in recent years. More consumers are buying digestive enzyme supplements, and production hasn't fully caught up.
• Market confusion: The 2008 FDA enforcement action against topical papain wound-care products created lasting confusion. Some retailers and distributors remain cautious about stocking papain-containing products, even though oral supplements are not affected by that action.
• Brand consolidation: Some smaller enzyme supplement brands have been acquired or discontinued, reducing the total number of available Amylase/Papain products on the market.

For a deeper dive into these factors, read our article on why Amylase/Papain is so hard to find.

What Does Amylase/Papain Cost in 2026?

Amylase/Papain supplements are sold over the counter, so pricing varies by brand, retailer, and product format:

• NaturesPlus Papaya Enzyme (180 chewable tablets): Approximately $12 to $18
• American Health Chewable Papaya Enzyme (600 tablets): Approximately $15 to $22
• Double Wood Digestive Enzymes (120 capsules): Approximately $16 to $20
• Dr. Tobias Digestive Enzymes (60 capsules): Approximately $20 to $25
• XYMOGEN XymoZyme (120 capsules): Approximately $45 to $55

Most Amylase/Papain supplements are not covered by insurance because they're classified as dietary supplements. However, you may be able to use HSA or FSA funds with a Letter of Medical Necessity from your doctor.

For tips on reducing costs, see our guide on how to save money on Amylase/Papain.

New Options and Developments in 2026

While no major new Amylase/Papain products have launched in 2026, there are some positive trends:

• More multi-enzyme blends: Several supplement brands have expanded their digestive enzyme lines to include more products containing both amylase and papain alongside other enzymes like lipase, bromelain, and cellulase.
• Subscription services: Brands and retailers increasingly offer subscription delivery models that give subscribers priority access to inventory during stock-outs.
• Telehealth access: If OTC options aren't meeting your needs, telehealth providers can evaluate you for prescription enzyme alternatives like Creon or Zenpep without an in-person visit.

How to Find Amylase/Papain in Stock

Here are the most effective strategies for finding Amylase/Papain right now:

1. Use Medfinder: Medfinder lets you search for availability near you in real time, saving you from endless phone calls.
2. Check online retailers: Amazon, Walmart.com, iHerb, and Vitacost often have stock when brick-and-mortar stores don't.
3. Visit independent health food stores: They often carry specialty brands that chain stores don't stock.
4. Set up alerts: Use "back in stock" notifications on Amazon and retailer websites to get notified the moment your preferred product is restocked.
5. Ask your pharmacist: Pharmacists can special-order supplements through their distributors.

For more detailed tips, read our complete guide on how to find Amylase/Papain in stock near you.

Final Thoughts

The Amylase/Papain availability situation in 2026 isn't a formal shortage — but it sure feels like one for patients who depend on these supplements. Supply chain issues, rising demand, and market confusion continue to create challenges. The best strategy is to stay proactive: use tools like Medfinder, diversify where you shop, and talk to your healthcare provider about alternatives if needed.

If you're considering switching to a different digestive enzyme, check out our guide on alternatives to Amylase/Papain.