Betaxolol Shortage Update: What Patients Need to Know in 2026

The Betaxolol shortage has been an evolving situation, and as of early 2026, patients continue to face challenges finding this medication. Whether you use Betaxolol tablets for hypertension or Betaxolol eye drops for glaucoma, this update covers the current state of the shortage and what it means for you.

Current Shortage Status

Betaxolol Oral Tablets (10 mg and 20 mg)

The Betaxolol oral tablet shortage began when Epic Pharma discontinued its production of generic Betaxolol tablets. The brand-name version, Kerlone, was discontinued in the U.S. years earlier. With fewer manufacturers producing the oral form, supply has been inconsistent. Some pharmacies may be able to source Betaxolol tablets through secondary wholesalers, but availability varies significantly by region.

The FDA has listed Betaxolol tablets on its drug shortage database, and the situation is being monitored. However, no firm resolution date has been announced.

Betaxolol Ophthalmic Products

The ophthalmic situation is more complex:

• Betoptic S (0.25% suspension): Discontinued globally by Novartis in 2024. This product will not be returning to the market.
• Generic Betaxolol 0.5% ophthalmic solution: Still available from some manufacturers, but supply has been inconsistent. This is the primary remaining ophthalmic formulation of Betaxolol.

Timeline of Key Events

• Prior to 2024: Kerlone brand tablets already discontinued in the U.S.
• Mid-2024: Novartis announced global discontinuation of Betoptic S (0.25% ophthalmic suspension).
• 2024-2025: Epic Pharma discontinued generic Betaxolol tablets, reducing oral tablet suppliers.
• Early 2026: Both oral and ophthalmic Betaxolol remain in limited supply from remaining generic manufacturers.

Why Does This Keep Happening?

Betaxolol shortages are driven by a combination of factors that affect many older generic medications:

• Low profitability: With a small patient base compared to blockbuster medications, manufacturers have little financial incentive to produce Betaxolol.
• Manufacturer exits: Each time a manufacturer stops production, the burden falls on fewer companies.
• Quality and regulatory issues: Manufacturing facilities must meet strict FDA standards, and any compliance issues can halt production.
• Limited raw material suppliers: If active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) suppliers face disruptions, finished product manufacturers are affected too.

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

What Patients Should Do Now

1. Check Availability Regularly

Betaxolol stock levels change frequently. Use MedFinder to monitor pharmacy availability in your area. When you find it, consider asking your doctor for a 90-day prescription to reduce the frequency of your search.

2. Don't Wait Until You Run Out

Start looking for your refill at least two weeks before your current supply runs out. This gives you time to search multiple pharmacies or explore alternatives if needed.

3. Have a Backup Plan

Talk to your prescriber now—before you run out—about what alternative medication you could switch to if Betaxolol becomes completely unavailable. Having a backup prescription ready can save you from a gap in treatment. See our guide on Betaxolol alternatives.

4. Report Shortages

You can help by reporting drug shortages to the FDA. Patient reports help the FDA prioritize which shortages to address and can encourage manufacturers to increase production.

Will the Shortage End?

Unfortunately, there's no clear end date for the Betaxolol shortage. For the oral formulation, the shortage may improve if remaining manufacturers increase production or new generic companies enter the market. For Betoptic S specifically, the discontinuation is permanent.

The FDA continues to work with manufacturers to resolve drug shortages, but older generic medications with small markets are often the last to see relief.

Resources for Patients

• MedFinder — Check pharmacy availability for Betaxolol near you
• How to find Betaxolol in stock near you — Detailed search strategies
• How to save money on Betaxolol — Coupons and assistance programs
• Alternatives to Betaxolol — If you need to switch medications
• FDA Drug Shortages Database — Official shortage updates

Stay Informed

We'll continue to update this page as the Betaxolol shortage situation evolves. Bookmark this page and check back for the latest information. In the meantime, use MedFinder to stay ahead of supply issues and find Betaxolol when it's available.