Arazlo Shortage Update: What Patients Need to Know in 2026

If you rely on Arazlo (tazarotene 0.045% lotion) for acne treatment and have noticed it's become harder to find at your pharmacy, you're not imagining things. While Arazlo is not on the FDA's official drug shortage list, real-world availability is inconsistent — and patients across the country are reporting difficulty getting their prescriptions filled. Here's the 2026 update on what's happening and what you can do.

Is Arazlo Officially in Shortage in 2026?

As of early 2026, Arazlo is not listed on the FDA Drug Shortage Database. The FDA typically only lists shortages when supply falls significantly below demand at a national level, which means regional and pharmacy-level shortages often go unrecorded. Many patients experience real difficulty filling their Arazlo prescription even when no official shortage is declared.

What we do know: Arazlo is a brand-name-only product with no generic equivalent in its specific 0.045% lotion formulation. That makes it more vulnerable to supply disruptions than medications with multiple generic manufacturers.

What's Causing Arazlo Availability Problems?

Several factors are contributing to Arazlo being harder to find:

• Brand-name only: There is no generic Arazlo. All supply comes from a single manufacturer (Bausch Health/Ortho Dermatologics).
• Pharmacy stocking decisions: Chain pharmacies use automated ordering based on dispensing history. Low Arazlo dispensing volume means many locations simply don't keep it on the shelf.
• Insurance barriers: Prior authorization requirements and step therapy protocols mean many patients never make it to the pharmacy in the first place. This suppresses demand signals, which reduces pharmacy stocking.
• High retail cost: At $564–$683 per 45g tube without insurance, many patients forgo filling their prescription. This further reduces pharmacy stocking of Arazlo.

How Is Arazlo's Availability Expected to Change?

The Arazlo supply situation in 2026 is unlikely to change dramatically in the near term because:

• The 0.045% lotion formulation is unique to Arazlo — no generic manufacturer has filed for this specific formulation
• Bausch Health's manufacturing capacity and wholesale distribution determine availability
• Insurance formulary decisions continue to limit access for many patients

The growth of telehealth dermatology in 2026 is a positive development — it makes it easier for patients to connect with providers who can prescribe Arazlo or appropriate alternatives and navigate prior authorization requirements.

What Should Patients Do Right Now?

If you're having trouble finding Arazlo, here are the most effective steps:

1. Use medfinder to find a stocked pharmacy. medfinder contacts pharmacies near you to check inventory, saving you hours of phone calls.
2. Check your manufacturer savings card eligibility. The Ortho Rx Access program offers a copay card for commercially insured patients that can reduce your cost to $0. This may make it worthwhile to travel to a pharmacy that has it in stock.
3. Ask your pharmacy to place a special order. If Arazlo is available from your pharmacy's wholesaler, they may be able to order it within 24–72 hours.
4. Explore mail-order pharmacies. Specialty mail-order pharmacies may have more reliable access to brand-name dermatology medications like Arazlo.
5. Talk to your dermatologist about alternatives. If Arazlo remains unavailable, tretinoin, adapalene, or trifarotene (Aklief) may offer comparable acne control. Read our full guide to Arazlo alternatives for a detailed comparison.

If You're Currently Using Arazlo: Stay Ahead

If you currently have access to Arazlo, take steps to protect your supply:

• Refill 7–10 days before running out so your pharmacy has time to order it
• Let your pharmacist know you're a regular user so they include it in routine ordering
• Ask about a 90-day supply if your insurance allows it — fewer refills means fewer supply disruptions

The Bottom Line

Arazlo's availability challenges in 2026 are real, even without an official FDA shortage declaration. The combination of brand-name exclusivity, insurance barriers, and pharmacy stocking decisions makes it harder to fill than most generic acne medications. Use medfinder to locate a pharmacy near you with current stock, and stay in close communication with your dermatologist if supply remains an issue.