Anusol HC Shortage Update: What Patients Need to Know in 2026

If you've had trouble finding Anusol HC at your pharmacy recently, you may be wondering whether this medication is in an official shortage — and whether the situation will get better or worse. Here's what the current supply picture looks like for Anusol HC (hydrocortisone acetate rectal) in 2026, and what patients should know.

Current Shortage Status (2026): Not on the FDA Shortage List

As of 2026, Anusol HC and its generic equivalent (hydrocortisone acetate rectal) are NOT on the FDA Drug Shortages database. This means there is no declared national shortage. This distinguishes Anusol HC from related medications like Proctofoam HC, which has faced documented supply challenges.

However, "not on the shortage list" doesn't mean your local pharmacy will automatically have it in stock. Individual stock shortages are common and can make filling a prescription feel just as difficult as an official shortage.

What the Supply Picture Actually Looks Like

Here's a breakdown by formulation:

• Generic hydrocortisone acetate 2.5% cream: Generally widely available. Multiple manufacturers produce this formulation, including Crown, Sebela, and Taro. Most chain and independent pharmacies stock it.
• Generic hydrocortisone acetate 25 mg suppositories: Available but may require checking multiple pharmacies. Fewer manufacturers produce the suppository form, making localized stock gaps more common.
• Brand-name Anusol HC (Salix): May need to be specially ordered at many pharmacies. Salix distributes through Bausch Health, and brand availability can be more variable than generic options.

Why Patients Are Experiencing Trouble Despite No Official Shortage

Even without a formal FDA shortage declaration, patients can face real difficulty finding Anusol HC. The main reasons include:

• Rectal hydrocortisone products are low-volume items at many pharmacies, so they aren't always kept in large quantities on the shelf.
• Wholesaler distribution gaps can create regional out-of-stock situations even when the national supply is adequate.
• Demand may be higher in certain areas due to the limited supply of alternative products (like Proctofoam HC), driving more patients toward Anusol HC.
• A small number of generic manufacturers means that even modest production disruptions can cause temporary localized shortages.

Historical Context: Has Anusol HC Been in Shortage Before?

Anusol HC has not been listed on the FDA's official shortage database in recent years. However, individual patients and pharmacists have reported periodic stock issues with the brand-name product. The generic versions (Anucort-HC, Proctocort) have historically maintained better availability because they are produced by multiple manufacturers.

What Patients Should Do Right Now

Here's the most practical advice for patients trying to fill Anusol HC in 2026:

1. Ask for generic substitution first. If you're prescribed brand-name Anusol HC, a generic like Anucort-HC or Proctocort is therapeutically identical and almost always more available.
2. Use medfinder to search pharmacies near you. This service calls multiple pharmacies to check stock and texts you which ones have it — saving hours of phone tag.
3. Refill early. If you use Anusol HC on an ongoing basis, request your refill with 5-7 days remaining rather than waiting until you're out.
4. Ask your pharmacy to place a special order. If your pharmacy doesn't have it in stock, they can usually order it and receive it in 1-3 business days.
5. Talk to your doctor if unavailability persists. Alternatives like Proctosol-HC, Proctozone HC, or Analpram HC may be appropriate for your condition.

Looking Ahead

There are no known factors that would drive Anusol HC into a true national shortage in 2026. The generic hydrocortisone acetate rectal market has multiple producers, which provides supply resilience. The cream formulation in particular is widely produced and available.

If you need help locating Anusol HC today, medfinder can contact pharmacies near you to find stock. And for a broader explanation of why availability varies, see Why Is Anusol HC Hard to Find? [Explained for 2026].