Is Carafate still in shortage in 2026? Get the latest update on Sucralfate availability, pricing, and what patients can do to find their medication.
If you've been prescribed Carafate (Sucralfate) and can't find it, you're dealing with something thousands of patients across the country are experiencing right now. The Sucralfate shortage has been ongoing, and patients with duodenal ulcers, gastritis, and other GI conditions are feeling the impact.
This article gives you the latest information on the shortage — whether it's still happening, what's causing it, what it costs in 2026, and most importantly, what you can do about it.
Yes. As of early 2026, Sucralfate tablets remain on intermittent back order. Teva Pharmaceuticals, one of the primary manufacturers of generic Sucralfate, has reported supply disruptions due to increased demand. They are releasing supplies as they become available, but the flow is inconsistent.
Viatris (formerly Mylan), another major generic manufacturer, continues to produce Sucralfate tablets, but one manufacturer alone can't always meet national demand. The oral suspension (liquid form) has also experienced periodic availability issues, though it's generally been easier to find than the tablets.
The shortage is not a total absence — Sucralfate is still being manufactured and shipped. The problem is that supply isn't keeping up with demand, so many pharmacies are frequently out of stock.
Several factors are driving the Carafate shortage:
While Carafate is only FDA-approved for duodenal ulcers, doctors increasingly prescribe it off-label for gastritis, GERD, chemotherapy-induced mucositis, and radiation proctitis. This growing use has expanded the patient population beyond what manufacturers planned for.
Only a handful of companies produce generic Sucralfate. In the generic drug market, low profit margins often discourage new entrants. When demand rises and one manufacturer falls behind, there aren't enough alternatives to fill the gap.
Even when Sucralfate is being produced, distribution challenges can create uneven availability. Some pharmacies may have stock while others nearby don't, depending on their wholesaler relationships and order timing.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our article on why Carafate is so hard to find in 2026.
Cost varies significantly depending on whether you're buying brand-name Carafate or generic Sucralfate, and whether you have insurance:
If cost is a concern, we've written a comprehensive guide on how to save money on Carafate with coupons, discount cards, and patient assistance programs.
While no new formulations of Sucralfate have been released recently, patients who can't find Carafate have several well-established alternatives:
These alternatives work differently than Carafate — they reduce stomach acid rather than forming a protective barrier over ulcers. Your doctor can help determine which is most appropriate for your condition. Read our full comparison in alternatives to Carafate.
If you need Carafate and your regular pharmacy doesn't have it, here's your action plan:
Medfinder shows you real-time pharmacy availability for Carafate and Sucralfate in your area. It's the fastest way to find which pharmacies near you actually have it on the shelf.
Independent pharmacies often use different wholesale distributors than big chains and may have stock when CVS or Walgreens doesn't. Compounding pharmacies are another option — they can sometimes prepare custom formulations.
Carafate comes in tablets and an oral suspension. If one is unavailable, ask about the other. Your doctor can write a new prescription for whichever form is in stock.
Mail-order services like Amazon Pharmacy, Costco mail-order, or your insurance plan's preferred mail-order pharmacy may have access to Sucralfate when local stores don't. They also sometimes offer lower prices.
Ask your pharmacist to place you on a waitlist or backorder notification. When their next shipment arrives, you'll be among the first to know.
For the full rundown of strategies, see our detailed guide on how to find Carafate in stock near you.
The Carafate shortage in 2026 is frustrating, but it's manageable with the right approach. The medication is still being manufactured — the challenge is finding it at your specific pharmacy at the right time. Stay proactive, use tools like Medfinder, and keep an open conversation with your doctor about both finding Sucralfate and having a backup plan with alternative medications.
If you're also concerned about side effects or drug interactions with Carafate, we have guides on those topics too. And if you need help finding a prescriber, check out how to find a doctor who prescribes Carafate near you.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
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