Brexafemme Shortage Update: What Patients Need to Know in 2026

The Brexafemme Shortage: Where Things Stand in 2026

If you've been waiting for Brexafemme (Ibrexafungerp) to come back, you're not alone. This first-in-class antifungal for vaginal yeast infections has been effectively unavailable since a voluntary recall in 2023 — and as of early 2026, it still hasn't returned to pharmacy shelves.

In this update, we'll cover the latest on the Brexafemme shortage, explain what's been happening behind the scenes, discuss the cost situation, and share what you can do right now.

Is Brexafemme Still in Shortage?

Yes. As of early 2026, Brexafemme remains listed as temporarily unavailable in the ASHP drug shortage database. Scynexis, Inc. — the company that developed the drug — has stated that it cannot estimate when the product will return to the market.

The key development to watch: Scynexis has been working to transfer the Brexafemme NDA (New Drug Application) to GSK, which holds the commercialization license. This transfer was expected to be completed by the end of 2025. Once complete, GSK is expected to initiate regulatory discussions with the FDA in 2026 to chart a path back to commercial availability.

Why Is Brexafemme Hard to Find?

The shortage traces back to a series of events starting in 2023:

The 2023 Recall

Scynexis issued a voluntary nationwide recall affecting two lots of Brexafemme (LF21000008 and LF22000051) due to potential cross-contamination with a non-antibacterial beta-lactam drug substance during manufacturing. This removed all commercially available product from the market.

The FDA Clinical Hold

Following the recall, the FDA placed a clinical hold on Brexafemme that lasted approximately 19 months. During this period, no new manufacturing or clinical trial activity could take place. The hold was lifted in May 2025.

The Corporate Transition

Scynexis licensed Brexafemme commercialization rights to GSK. In 2024, the two companies amended their agreement as the recall and marketing delays dragged on. The NDA transfer process has added additional time before the drug can return to production.

For a full breakdown, see our explainer on why Brexafemme is so hard to find.

How Much Does Brexafemme Cost in 2026?

When Brexafemme was last commercially available, the cash price for a single treatment course (4 tablets of 150 mg) ranged from approximately $450 to $600 without insurance.

Key pricing facts:

• No generic available — Ibrexafungerp remains under patent with no generic competition
• Manufacturer copay assistance — When available, Scynexis offered a savings program allowing eligible commercially insured patients to pay as little as $30
• Insurance coverage varies — Many plans required prior authorization or step therapy (trying Fluconazole first)
• Coupon cards — Discount programs from SingleCare and others listed prices around $500 to $585

For detailed cost-saving strategies, see how to save money on Brexafemme.

Are There New Options for Yeast Infection Treatment?

While Brexafemme is unavailable, other options remain accessible:

• Fluconazole (Diflucan) — Still the first-line oral treatment, available as a generic for $4 to $15
• Miconazole (Monistat) — OTC topical treatment, $10 to $20
• Clotrimazole — OTC topical cream, $7 to $15
• Oteseconazole (Vivjoa) — Oral azole for RVVC prevention, approximately $900+ per course

For women with azole-resistant infections — the group that benefited most from Brexafemme — treatment options are more limited. Compounded boric acid suppositories and topical Nystatin are sometimes used, though these are not FDA-approved for VVC specifically.

Read our full comparison in alternatives to Brexafemme.

How to Find Brexafemme in Stock

While the drug is listed as temporarily unavailable at the manufacturer level, it's always worth checking whether any pharmacy still has remaining stock. Here's how:

1. Use Medfinder — Search for Brexafemme by name and zip code to see real-time pharmacy availability
2. Call independent pharmacies — They sometimes source from different wholesalers than chains
3. Contact specialty pharmacies — Women's health and infectious disease specialty pharmacies may carry it
4. Ask your doctor — Prescribers sometimes have connections to specialty distributors

For more detailed strategies, read our guide on how to find Brexafemme in stock near you.

Final Thoughts

The Brexafemme shortage has been one of the most frustrating drug availability issues for women dealing with vaginal yeast infections — especially those with recurrent or resistant infections. While the FDA clinical hold has been lifted and the NDA transfer to GSK is in progress, there's still no confirmed date for when the drug will return to pharmacies.

In the meantime, stay proactive: check Medfinder regularly, talk to your doctor about alternative treatments, and keep an eye on updates from GSK and the FDA. We'll continue to update this page as new information becomes available.