Bisacodyl Shortage Update: What Patients Need to Know in 2026

If you've recently struggled to find Bisacodyl suppositories at your local pharmacy, you're experiencing a real supply disruption — not just bad luck. This article provides a current 2026 update on bisacodyl availability, explains what's driving the shortage, and gives you practical steps to ensure you can still access the medication you need.

Bisacodyl Shortage Status in 2026: Form-by-Form Breakdown

The availability picture for bisacodyl varies significantly depending on the form:

Oral tablets (5 mg): No current shortage. Widely stocked at pharmacies and online retailers. Multiple manufacturers continue to supply this form. Cash price: $2–$8 for 25–100 count.

Rectal suppositories (10 mg): Intermittently available. Spot shortages persist at many chain pharmacy locations. Perrigo, Major Pharmaceuticals, Geri-Care, and Rugby continue to manufacture this form. Cash price: $6–$15 for 8–12 count.

Rectal enemas (10 mg): Limited availability. Less commonly stocked even when bisacodyl is generally accessible.

What Caused the Bisacodyl Shortage?

The bisacodyl suppository shortage can be traced primarily to the exit of G&W Laboratories from bisacodyl suppository production. G&W was a major supplier, and their departure left a gap that couldn't be immediately filled by the remaining manufacturers. Several factors amplified the impact:

Bisacodyl suppositories are a low-margin generic OTC product, making it economically difficult for other manufacturers to rapidly scale up production.

Bisacodyl suppositories are standard components of colonoscopy and surgical bowel prep kits — demand increased as colonoscopy volumes rebounded after the pandemic.

Chain pharmacy inventory systems often carry minimal stock of slow-moving specialty OTC formulations, meaning that limited supply is further thinned by poor distribution.

Is the Shortage Getting Better?

The situation is gradually improving. Remaining manufacturers — Perrigo, Major Pharmaceuticals, Geri-Care, and Rugby — have continued production and are adjusting their output. The ASHP Drug Shortage Database has reflected improved (though not normalized) supply for bisacodyl suppositories as of early 2026. However, periodic spot shortages at individual pharmacies remain common, particularly at chain locations that rely on automated distributor systems.

What Should Patients Do Right Now?

Here are the most effective steps if you're having trouble finding Bisacodyl:

Don't assume all pharmacies are out. Availability varies pharmacy to pharmacy and even day to day. Independent pharmacies and compounding pharmacies often have supply that chain pharmacies don't.

Use medfinder. medfinder calls pharmacies near you on your behalf to check which ones have Bisacodyl in stock, and texts you the results. This removes the guesswork and the hold music.

Ask your pharmacy to order it. Most pharmacies can receive special orders from their wholesaler within 1–2 business days. Simply ask the pharmacist to place an order.

Consider an alternative while waiting. Senna is the closest OTC substitute for bisacodyl tablets. For suppository needs tied to a procedure, consult your provider about alternative prep options.

Order online. Amazon, Walmart.com, and other online pharmacies frequently have OTC bisacodyl in stock when local pharmacies don't.

Special Concern: Bisacodyl for Colonoscopy Prep

If you're scheduled for a colonoscopy and your prep kit requires bisacodyl suppositories, don't wait until the night before your procedure to look. Contact the pharmacy where you plan to fill the kit at least 5–7 days in advance. If bisacodyl suppositories are not available, call your gastroenterologist's office — they typically have alternative prep regimens available and can switch you to an oral-only protocol if necessary.

For more information on your options, see our guide to alternatives to Bisacodyl if you can't fill your prescription.