The Cefepime Shortage in 2026: Here's What's Happening

If you've been told that Cefepime is unavailable or on backorder, you're experiencing one of the most persistent drug shortages in recent years. Cefepime — a critical fourth-generation cephalosporin antibiotic — has been in and out of shortage since the early 2010s, and the current situation continues to affect patients and hospitals across the country.

This article gives you the latest information on the Cefepime shortage, including what's causing it, what it costs, and what you can do right now.

Is Cefepime Still in Shortage?

Yes. As of early 2026, Cefepime remains on the ASHP (American Society of Health-System Pharmacists) drug shortage list. B. Braun, one of the major manufacturers, has Cefepime on shortage due to manufacturing delays. Other manufacturers — including Apotex, Baxter, and Hospira (Pfizer) — have experienced intermittent supply disruptions as well.

The shortage affects multiple formulations:

• Cefepime 1 g and 2 g powder for injection vials
• Cefepime 500 mg vials (limited availability)
• Premixed frozen IV solutions (1 g/50 mL and 2 g/100 mL)

Availability varies by region and facility. Some hospitals may have adequate supply while others face severe shortages. The situation changes frequently as manufacturers release new batches.

Why Is Cefepime Hard to Find?

The Cefepime shortage is the result of several converging factors:

Manufacturing Challenges

Sterile injectable drugs like Cefepime are complex to produce. They require specialized manufacturing facilities that meet strict FDA standards for sterility. When a manufacturer encounters equipment problems, contamination issues, or needs facility upgrades, production can be disrupted for months.

Too Few Manufacturers

Only a handful of companies manufacture Cefepime in the United States. When one or two have supply problems, there aren't enough other producers to pick up the slack. This concentration of supply creates vulnerability.

Rising Demand

As antibiotic resistance grows, doctors rely more heavily on broad-spectrum antibiotics like Cefepime. Growing numbers of cancer patients, transplant recipients, and ICU patients also drive demand for this drug.

Global Supply Chain Issues

The raw materials for Cefepime, including the active pharmaceutical ingredient, come from a small number of global suppliers. Any disruption in the global supply chain — from shipping delays to quality issues at API manufacturers — can ripple through to the finished product. For more detail, read why Cefepime is so hard to find.

How Much Does Cefepime Cost in 2026?

Cefepime is available only as a generic — the original brand name Maxipime is no longer actively marketed. Here's what you can expect to pay:

• Cash price without insurance: Approximately $363 for a supply of nine 2 g vials at retail price
• With discount cards: Around $93 for the same supply using SingleCare or similar discount programs — a savings of roughly 74%
• Per vial cost: Generic Cefepime vials typically range from $10 to $40 per vial depending on the dose and supplier
• Full treatment course: A typical 7-14 day course can range from $200 to $500+ depending on dose and duration

Since Cefepime is most often administered in a hospital, many patients receive it as part of their inpatient stay and it's billed through hospital charges covered by insurance. For outpatient or home infusion, costs may vary significantly based on your insurance plan.

For tips on reducing costs, read our guide on how to save money on Cefepime.

Are There New Options or Developments?

Several developments in 2025-2026 may help ease the Cefepime shortage over time:

• New manufacturer approvals: The FDA has been working to expedite reviews for additional generic manufacturers of sterile injectable antibiotics, including Cefepime
• Cefepime-Enmetazobactam (Exblifep): A new combination product that pairs Cefepime with Enmetazobactam, a beta-lactamase inhibitor. Approved by the FDA, this combination offers an additional treatment option for complicated urinary tract infections
• Extended infusion protocols: Some hospitals have adopted extended infusion dosing (infusing Cefepime over 3-4 hours instead of 30 minutes), which may allow more efficient use of limited supply

How to Find Cefepime in Stock

If you need Cefepime, here are the most effective steps:

1. Check Medfinder: Visit Medfinder to search for real-time Cefepime availability at pharmacies and facilities near you
2. Ask about home infusion: Specialty home infusion pharmacies may have supply from different distributors than your hospital
3. Talk to your pharmacist: Hospital pharmacists track shortages daily and know when new shipments are expected
4. Be flexible on formulation: If 2 g vials are unavailable, 1 g vials might be in stock (your care team can adjust accordingly)
5. Consider alternatives: If Cefepime is completely unavailable, your doctor can prescribe an effective alternative

For a detailed walkthrough, see our guide on how to find Cefepime in stock near you.

Final Thoughts

The Cefepime shortage is a complex problem with no quick fix. Manufacturing challenges, limited producers, and rising demand continue to strain supply. But patients have tools and options available to them.

Stay informed by checking the ASHP shortage list and Medfinder for the latest availability. Work closely with your healthcare team to ensure you receive effective treatment — whether that's Cefepime or a suitable alternative.

If you're a healthcare provider looking for clinical guidance on the shortage, see our provider-focused shortage update.