The Carac Shortage in 2026: What's Really Going On

If you rely on Carac (Fluorouracil 0.5% cream) to manage actinic keratosis, you may have noticed it's gotten harder to find at your local pharmacy. You're not imagining things — Carac has been experiencing ongoing supply challenges that have left many patients frustrated and searching for answers.

In this update, we'll cover the current state of Carac availability in 2026, what's driving the shortage, how much you can expect to pay, and what options you have if you can't find it.

Is Carac Still in Shortage?

As of early 2026, Carac continues to face intermittent supply issues across the United States. While it's not always listed as a formal FDA shortage, many patients and pharmacists report difficulty obtaining the medication through normal distribution channels.

The situation varies by region. Some areas of the country have relatively consistent access, while others experience extended periods where no local pharmacy has it in stock. The availability picture can change from week to week.

Unlike generic Fluorouracil 5% cream — which is made by multiple manufacturers and remains widely available — Carac 0.5% is produced by a single manufacturer, making its supply more vulnerable to disruptions.

Why Is Carac Hard to Find?

Several factors are contributing to the ongoing difficulty in finding Carac:

• Single-source manufacturing: Carac is made exclusively by Bausch Health. Any production slowdown or raw material issue affects the entire supply.
• No generic at 0.5%: There's no FDA-approved generic version of Fluorouracil at the 0.5% concentration, so patients have no substitute at the same strength.
• Limited pharmacy stocking: Due to its high cost and low prescription volume compared to generics, many pharmacies don't keep Carac on their shelves routinely.
• Insurance barriers: Prior authorization requirements and step therapy policies reduce the number of Carac prescriptions filled, further discouraging pharmacies from stocking it.

For a more detailed breakdown, read our post on why Carac is so hard to find.

How Much Does Carac Cost in 2026?

Cost remains a significant barrier for many patients. Here's what you can expect to pay:

• Carac 0.5% cream (30g tube): $800 to $1,500+ without insurance
• With insurance: Copays vary widely. If your plan covers Carac, you may pay $50 to $200+ depending on your formulary tier. Many plans require prior authorization.
• With discount cards: GoodRx and SingleCare may offer some savings, though Carac's brand-name pricing limits how much discount cards can reduce the cost.

By comparison, generic Fluorouracil 5% cream costs $30 to $150 without insurance — a fraction of Carac's price. This price difference is one reason many insurers push patients toward the generic as a first step.

For a full guide to reducing your costs, check out our post on how to save money on Carac in 2026.

What New Options Are Available?

While the supply situation for Carac itself hasn't fundamentally changed, there are some developments worth noting:

• Tirbanibulin (Klisyri): This newer treatment for actinic keratosis, approved in 2020, requires only 5 days of treatment. It's become more widely covered by insurance and may be a good alternative if Carac is unavailable.
• Tolak (Fluorouracil 4%): Another branded Fluorouracil cream at a different concentration. Availability varies, but it's another option to discuss with your doctor.
• Expanded telehealth access: More dermatologists are offering telehealth consultations, making it easier to get a prescription or switch to an alternative without waiting for an in-person appointment.

For a complete comparison of alternatives, visit our guide on alternatives to Carac.

How to Find Carac in Stock Right Now

If you need Carac and want to find it today, here's your action plan:

1. Search on Medfinder: Medfinder.com shows you which pharmacies near you currently have Carac in stock. It's the fastest way to check availability without calling around.
2. Try independent pharmacies: Smaller pharmacies often have access to different wholesalers and may be able to source Carac when chain pharmacies can't.
3. Ask about specialty pharmacy options: Dermatology-focused specialty pharmacies may carry Carac more consistently.
4. Consider mail-order: If Carac is available in another region, a mail-order pharmacy may be able to ship it to you.

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

Final Thoughts

The Carac shortage in 2026 is a real problem, but it's not insurmountable. Stay informed, use tools like Medfinder to track availability, and work with your dermatologist to have a backup plan in case Carac isn't available when you need it.

Your actinic keratoses need treatment — don't let supply issues put your skin health on hold. Start your search today on Medfinder.com.