What's Going On With Azasan Supply in 2026?

If you take Azasan (Azathioprine) for a transplant, rheumatoid arthritis, or an autoimmune condition, you may have experienced difficulty filling your prescription over the past couple of years. Drug shortages have become an all-too-common reality for patients who rely on essential medications, and Azathioprine has been caught up in this trend.

In this article, we'll give you the latest update on the Azasan and Azathioprine supply situation in 2026, explain what's been happening, and share practical steps you can take to keep your treatment on track.

Is Azasan Still in Shortage?

Here's the current picture as of early 2026:

• Azathioprine sodium injection (IV form): Has been on the ASHP (American Society of Health-System Pharmacists) drug shortage list since September 2024. Hikma Pharmaceuticals has maintained supply of 100 mg vials, but availability has been limited at some hospitals.
• Azasan oral tablets (brand): Manufactured solely by Salix Pharmaceuticals in 75 mg and 100 mg strengths. Availability varies by pharmacy and region, with some patients reporting difficulty finding the brand name at retail pharmacies.
• Generic Azathioprine oral tablets: Produced by multiple manufacturers in 25 mg and 50 mg strengths. Generally available, though intermittent spot shortages have been reported at individual pharmacies.

The bottom line: the injectable form remains in active shortage, while oral tablets (especially the generic) are generally available but may require some extra effort to find at your local pharmacy.

Why Has Azasan Been Hard to Find?

Several factors have contributed to the supply challenges:

Single-Source Brand Manufacturing

Azasan is only made by Salix Pharmaceuticals. When a drug has only one manufacturer, any production disruption — whether from raw material issues, quality control, or regulatory requirements — directly impacts all patients who use the brand.

Growing Demand

Azathioprine is used for an expanding list of conditions beyond its two FDA-approved indications. Off-label use for Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, lupus, myasthenia gravis, and autoimmune hepatitis has increased overall demand. Meanwhile, the number of organ transplants in the U.S. continues to grow year over year.

Injectable Shortage Spillover

When hospitals can't get the injectable form, post-surgical patients are sometimes switched to oral Azathioprine sooner than planned. This increases demand at retail pharmacies and can create localized shortages of oral tablets.

Supply Chain Fragility

Like many generic medications, Azathioprine relies on a global supply chain for raw ingredients (active pharmaceutical ingredients, or APIs). Disruptions at any point — from API manufacturing overseas to shipping delays — can ripple through to your local pharmacy.

For a deeper dive into these factors, see our article on why Azasan is so hard to find.

How Much Does Azasan Cost in 2026?

Cost can be another barrier for patients, especially if they need to switch between brand and generic or use out-of-pocket options:

• Brand-name Azasan: Approximately $340 to $500 for 30 tablets (100 mg) at full retail price
• Generic Azathioprine: Approximately $30 to $70 for 30 tablets (50 mg) at retail price
• With discount coupons: Generic Azathioprine can be as low as $6 to $15 for a 30-day supply using GoodRx, SingleCare, or similar services

Insurance typically covers generic Azathioprine with low copays ($0 to $15 on most plans). Brand-name Azasan may require prior authorization and could have higher out-of-pocket costs. For more savings strategies, read our guide on how to save money on Azasan.

Are There New Options for Patients?

While no new generic Azasan formulations have been introduced recently, patients do have several options:

• Generic Azathioprine remains widely available and is therapeutically equivalent to brand-name Azasan
• Alternative immunosuppressants like Mycophenolate (CellCept), Tacrolimus (Prograf), and Methotrexate may be appropriate for some patients — see our alternatives guide
• Patient assistance programs from Salix Pharmaceuticals and organizations like NeedyMeds and RxAssist can help uninsured or underinsured patients access their medication

How to Find Azasan in Stock Right Now

Here are the most effective steps you can take today:

1. Search Medfinder: Go to medfinder.com and search for Azasan or Azathioprine to check which pharmacies near you have it in stock right now.
2. Ask about the generic: If you're prescribed brand-name Azasan, ask your doctor if generic Azathioprine is an option. It's the same active ingredient, more widely available, and much more affordable.
3. Try independent pharmacies: They often have better luck sourcing medications through multiple wholesalers.
4. Plan ahead: Start your refill process 7 to 10 days early to give your pharmacy time to order if needed.
5. Contact Salix Pharmaceuticals: Call 1-800-321-4576 for information on brand-name Azasan supply and patient assistance.

For a complete walkthrough, read our guide on how to find Azasan in stock near you.

Final Thoughts

The Azasan supply situation in 2026 is improving but not fully resolved. The injectable form remains in shortage, and the brand-name oral tablets can still be tricky to find at some pharmacies. However, generic Azathioprine is widely available, and with tools like Medfinder, discount coupons, and patient assistance programs, most patients should be able to keep their treatment on track.

The most important takeaway: don't skip doses. If you're having trouble finding your medication, reach out to your doctor, use Medfinder, and explore the resources above. Your health depends on it.

Want to learn more about this medication? Read our articles on what Azasan is, Azasan side effects, and drug interactions to watch for.