Benzoyl Peroxide/Erythromycin in 2026: What's Going On With Availability?

If you've been trying to fill a prescription for Benzoyl Peroxide/Erythromycin (Benzamycin) and keep hitting dead ends, you're probably wondering: is there a shortage? The short answer is that there's no official FDA-listed shortage of Benzoyl Peroxide/Erythromycin as of early 2026. But that doesn't mean it's easy to find.

The reality is more complicated than a simple yes-or-no shortage. Many patients are struggling to locate this acne medication at their local pharmacies — not because of a manufacturing crisis, but because of market dynamics, limited manufacturers, and changing prescribing patterns.

In this post, we'll break down what's really happening with Benzoyl Peroxide/Erythromycin availability in 2026, what it costs, and what you can do to get your prescription filled.

Is Benzoyl Peroxide/Erythromycin Still in Shortage?

As of early 2026, Benzoyl Peroxide/Erythromycin is not on the FDA's official drug shortage list. The medication is still being manufactured by Bausch Health (brand Benzamycin) and Rising Pharmaceuticals (generic).

However, many patients report difficulty finding it at pharmacies. This is what's sometimes called a "soft shortage" — the drug exists in the supply chain, but it's not readily available at every pharmacy counter. Several factors contribute to this:

• Only two manufacturers produce the product
• Many pharmacies don't routinely stock it due to low demand
• The gel requires refrigeration, which limits pharmacy shelf space
• Prescribing has shifted toward newer combination products

For a deeper dive into these reasons, read our post on why Benzoyl Peroxide/Erythromycin is so hard to find.

Why Is Benzoyl Peroxide/Erythromycin Hard to Find?

Let's look at the key factors affecting availability in more detail.

Limited Manufacturing

Unlike blockbuster medications with dozens of generic manufacturers, Benzoyl Peroxide/Erythromycin has only two: Bausch Health for the brand and Rising Pharmaceuticals for the generic. If either company has a production delay, restocking issue, or distribution problem, it ripples through the entire supply chain.

Pharmacy Stocking Decisions

Pharmacies make stocking decisions based on demand. As dermatologists have increasingly prescribed alternatives like Clindamycin/Benzoyl Peroxide and Adapalene/Benzoyl Peroxide, fewer prescriptions for Benzoyl Peroxide/Erythromycin are being filled. Many pharmacies — especially large chains — have removed it from their regular inventory.

Refrigeration Requirement

Benzamycin Gel must be stored in the refrigerator once dispensed and discarded after 3 months. This creates storage challenges for pharmacies, which have limited cold-storage capacity. Products with special storage requirements are often the first to be dropped from inventory when demand is low.

Fewer New Prescriptions

Clinical guidelines for acne treatment have evolved. Many dermatologists now prefer Clindamycin/Benzoyl Peroxide or retinoid-based combinations as first-line treatments. While Benzoyl Peroxide/Erythromycin remains effective, it's prescribed less often than it was a decade ago.

How Much Does Benzoyl Peroxide/Erythromycin Cost in 2026?

Cost is another factor that affects availability. Here's what patients can expect to pay:

• Brand Benzamycin (46.6g jar): $140–$315 retail cash price
• Generic Erythromycin/Benzoyl Peroxide (46.6g jar): $31–$45 with a GoodRx or SingleCare coupon
• With insurance: Copay varies; generic is usually covered as a Tier 1 or Tier 2 medication
• Patient assistance: Prescription Hope offers Benzamycin for about $70/month

The generic version offers significant savings. If your pharmacy only has the brand in stock, ask if they can order the generic instead — or use a discount card to bring the brand price down. For more money-saving tips, see our guide on how to save money on Benzoyl Peroxide/Erythromycin.

Are There New Options for Acne Treatment in 2026?

The acne treatment landscape continues to evolve. While Benzoyl Peroxide/Erythromycin remains a viable option, several newer treatments have gained traction:

• Clindamycin/Benzoyl Peroxide (BenzaClin, Duac, Onexton): The most common direct substitute. Widely available in generic form.
• Adapalene/Benzoyl Peroxide (Epiduo): Combines a retinoid with Benzoyl Peroxide. Strong evidence base and available as a generic.
• Adapalene (Differin): Available OTC for about $12–$15. A solid option for mild acne.
• Tretinoin/Benzoyl Peroxide (new formulations): Newer combination products continue to enter the market, giving patients and prescribers more options.

For a full comparison of alternatives, read our post on alternatives to Benzoyl Peroxide/Erythromycin.

How to Find Benzoyl Peroxide/Erythromycin in Stock

If you want to stick with Benzoyl Peroxide/Erythromycin, here are the best ways to find it:

1. Use Medfinder: Medfinder.com shows real-time pharmacy availability. Search for your medication and zip code to see who has it in stock right now.
2. Try independent pharmacies: They're more likely to order specialty items and may have flexible distributor relationships.
3. Ask your pharmacy to special-order it: Even if it's not on the shelf, most pharmacies can order from their distributor within 1–3 business days.
4. Check compounding pharmacies: Some can prepare a custom Erythromycin/Benzoyl Peroxide formulation.

For step-by-step instructions, see our guide on how to find Benzoyl Peroxide/Erythromycin in stock near you.

Final Thoughts

Benzoyl Peroxide/Erythromycin is not officially in shortage in 2026, but finding it at your pharmacy can still be a challenge. Limited manufacturers, changing prescribing habits, and refrigeration requirements have all contributed to reduced availability at many pharmacy locations.

The good news: the medication is still being made, generic options are affordable ($31–$45 with a coupon), and tools like Medfinder can help you locate a pharmacy with stock. If you can't find it, effective alternatives like Clindamycin/Benzoyl Peroxide are widely available.

Don't let availability frustrations keep you from treating your acne. Whether you find your original prescription or switch to an alternative, the important thing is to stay on a consistent treatment plan.