The Aquasol E Shortage: Where Things Stand in 2026

If you depend on Aquasol E — the water-soluble form of Vitamin E (D-Alpha Tocopherol) — you've likely been dealing with supply problems for years. The shortage of this specialty vitamin supplement isn't new, but in 2026, many patients are still struggling to find it.

Here's what you need to know about the current state of the Aquasol E shortage, why it happened, what it costs now, and how to find it.

Is Aquasol E Still in Shortage?

Yes. As of 2026, Aquasol E remains difficult to find. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) has tracked this shortage since 2017, when it formally noted that multiple manufacturers had discontinued production of Vitamin E aqueous oral solution.

The key events:

• Hospira discontinued Aquasol E oral solution
• Lannett (Silarx) discontinued Vitamin E oral drops in July 2016
• Geritrex discontinued Vitamin E aqueous oral solution

With all three major manufacturers out of the market, the supply of water-soluble Vitamin E drops has remained extremely limited. Some smaller manufacturers and compounding pharmacies have partially filled the gap, but widespread, consistent availability has not returned.

Why Is Aquasol E Still Hard to Find?

Several factors keep this shortage going:

Small Patient Population

Water-soluble Vitamin E drops are needed primarily by patients with fat malabsorption conditions — cystic fibrosis, cholestatic liver disease, short bowel syndrome, and premature infants. While these patients desperately need the product, the overall market is small, which limits the financial incentive for manufacturers.

Manufacturing Complexity

Producing a pharmaceutical-grade liquid vitamin formulation requires specialized equipment, quality control processes, and FDA compliance. These costs can be prohibitive for a low-volume product.

No New Manufacturers Have Stepped In

Despite the ongoing shortage, no major pharmaceutical company has announced plans to bring a new water-soluble Vitamin E oral solution to market. The combination of small market size and manufacturing complexity has kept potential producers on the sidelines.

For more background, read: Why Is Aquasol E So Hard to Find?

What Does Aquasol E Cost in 2026?

Because supply is limited, prices for water-soluble Vitamin E drops can vary widely:

• Generic Vitamin E oral drops: $8 to $25 for a 30 mL bottle at pharmacies that have it in stock
• Online pharmacies: approximately $1.69 per mL for a 75 mL bottle through PharmacyChecker-accredited sources
• Compounded formulations: $20 to $50 depending on the compounding pharmacy and prescription details
• Standard Vitamin E capsules (for patients who don't need the water-soluble form): $5 to $15

Prices can be higher at some pharmacies due to limited supply. Using discount tools like WellRx or checking multiple sources can help you find the best price.

For more ways to save, see: How to Save Money on Aquasol E.

Are There New Options in 2026?

While no new brand-name Aquasol E product has launched, patients do have some options that have become more accessible:

Aqua-E and Aquavite-E

These water-soluble Vitamin E alternatives have been available from smaller manufacturers and specialty distributors. They use similar aqueous formulations and are considered equivalent by many prescribers.

Compounding Pharmacies

Compounding pharmacies have become an increasingly important source. A compounding pharmacist can prepare a custom water-soluble Vitamin E solution to match your doctor's prescription. This option is widely available across the country.

TPGS (Vitamin E Polyethylene Glycol Succinate)

TPGS is a water-soluble Vitamin E derivative that also enhances the absorption of other fat-soluble vitamins. It's available through some specialty suppliers and compounders.

For a full comparison of alternatives, read: Alternatives to Aquasol E If You Can't Fill Your Prescription.

How to Find Aquasol E in Stock

Here are the most effective strategies for locating water-soluble Vitamin E drops right now:

1. Use Medfinder — search for Aquasol E and check real-time pharmacy availability in your area
2. Call independent pharmacies — they're more likely to carry specialty products than large chains
3. Contact compounding pharmacies — they can make a custom formulation when commercial products aren't available
4. Check online pharmacies — accredited online pharmacies may have stock when local stores don't
5. Ask your doctor's office — they may know which pharmacies or distributors currently have supply

For step-by-step guidance, read: How to Find Aquasol E in Stock Near You.

What to Tell Your Doctor

If you can't find Aquasol E, bring it up at your next appointment. Your doctor can:

• Write a prescription for an alternative water-soluble Vitamin E product
• Provide a compounding prescription with specific concentration and dosing instructions
• Document medical necessity to help with insurance coverage
• Monitor your Vitamin E levels to ensure you're getting adequate supplementation

Find a prescriber who can help: How to Find a Doctor Who Can Prescribe Aquasol E.

Final Thoughts

The Aquasol E shortage is a long-running problem with no easy fix. Multiple manufacturer discontinuations and a small market have created a persistent supply gap. But patients aren't without options. Alternatives like Aqua-E, compounded formulations, and TPGS can fill the gap, and tools like Medfinder make it easier to find what's available.

Stay proactive, work with your healthcare team, and don't hesitate to explore multiple sources. Your health is worth the effort.