Baqsimi Shortage Update: What Patients Need to Know in 2026

If you rely on Baqsimi (glucagon nasal powder 3 mg) to manage the risk of severe low blood sugar emergencies, you may have noticed it isn't always easy to find at your pharmacy. This article provides the latest update on Baqsimi's availability status in 2026 and what it means for you as a patient.

Is Baqsimi in a National Shortage in 2026?

No. As of 2026, Baqsimi is not listed on the FDA's official Drug Shortage Database. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) Drug Shortage Database also does not flag Baqsimi as a nationally impacted drug.

However, patients across the country continue to report difficulty finding Baqsimi in stock at local pharmacies. This is not a manufacturing failure — it's a structural availability challenge driven by several market factors.

What Is Causing Baqsimi Availability Issues in 2026?

Several factors combine to make Baqsimi hard to find at some pharmacies even when there's no national shortage:

Brand-Only Market With No Generic Competition

The FDA has not approved a generic version of Baqsimi as of early 2026. Without generics, the drug is produced solely by Amphastar Pharmaceuticals, which means there's only one manufacturer's supply chain feeding the entire US market. Any production slowdown, distribution issue, or demand spike affects nationwide availability.

High Price Limits Pharmacy Stocking

At roughly $300-$400 per device retail, Baqsimi requires significant upfront investment for pharmacies to keep on their shelves. Smaller pharmacies may maintain minimal inventory — sometimes just one or two units. A few prescriptions filled in rapid succession can quickly exhaust local stock.

Demand Growth Outpacing Inventory Planning

Baqsimi has been the #1 prescribed glucagon in the US since early 2021. With expanding FDA approval — now covering patients as young as 1 year old (updated in 2025) — the patient population eligible for Baqsimi continues to grow. Pharmacy inventory systems sometimes lag behind rising demand, especially for specialty medications.

What Has Changed for Baqsimi in 2025-2026?

The most significant development is the 2025 FDA label update expanding Baqsimi's approval to include children as young as 1 year old (previously 4 years and older). This expansion increases the number of patients who may be prescribed Baqsimi, which could put additional pressure on supply.

Also worth noting: Baqsimi was originally developed by Eli Lilly and is now marketed by Amphastar Pharmaceuticals. This transition may affect distribution relationships and formulary coverage as insurers and pharmacy benefit managers update contracts.

How to Protect Yourself Against Supply Issues

Here are the most important steps patients can take:

Don't wait to refill. Check the expiration date on your Baqsimi and refill at least 30 days before it expires. Emergency medications should never be left to expire.

Ask for the Two Pack. The Baqsimi Two Pack gives you a backup device. FDA guidelines allow a second dose after 15 minutes if the first dose doesn't work — having two devices at home means peace of mind.

Call pharmacies before you go. Always call the pharmacy department to confirm Baqsimi is in stock before making the trip. Mention both One Pack and Two Pack formats.

Use medfinder. medfinder contacts pharmacies in your area to find which ones have Baqsimi in stock and texts you the results.

Apply for savings programs. The Baqsimi Got Your BAQ savings card can reduce cost to as little as $25 for commercially insured patients. The Lilly Cares Patient Assistance Program may provide it free for qualifying uninsured patients.

What Should You Use If Baqsimi Is Unavailable?

If Baqsimi is genuinely unavailable and you need a glucagon option today, speak with your doctor about alternatives. Gvoke (glucagon autoinjector) and Zegalogue (dasiglucagon injection) are both ready-to-use options with comparable efficacy. Traditional glucagon reconstitution kits are widely available as a backup. Read our Baqsimi alternatives guide for a full comparison.

How to Track Baqsimi Availability

To monitor Baqsimi's availability, you can check these official sources:

FDA Drug Shortage Database — official FDA shortage list.

ASHP Drug Shortage Resource Center — updated by health-system pharmacists.

medfinder — for real-time local pharmacy availability.

The Bottom Line

Baqsimi is not in a national shortage in 2026, but localized stock-outs at individual pharmacies are a real and ongoing concern for patients. The combination of brand-only status, high price, and growing demand creates availability gaps that are unlikely to fully resolve until a generic enters the market. Planning ahead — refilling early, searching multiple pharmacies, and knowing your alternatives — is the best defense.