Cocaine shortage update: What patients need to know in 2026

Cocaine Hydrochloride Shortage Update for 2026

If you have an upcoming nasal procedure that requires Cocaine Hydrochloride topical solution (brand names Goprelto and Numbrino), you may be affected by ongoing supply challenges. This page provides the latest information on the Cocaine Hydrochloride shortage and what it means for patients in 2026.

Current Status: Limited Supply

As of early 2026, Cocaine Hydrochloride topical solution continues to experience limited supply across the United States. While not always formally listed on the FDA's or ASHP's drug shortage databases, many hospitals and surgical centers report difficulty obtaining the medication consistently.

The situation is ongoing and has been developing since 2019, when the FDA took action against unapproved Cocaine Hydrochloride products on the market. Since then, supply has depended entirely on the two FDA-approved manufacturers.

What's Causing the Shortage?

Several factors are contributing to the ongoing supply challenges. For a deeper dive, see our full article: Why is Cocaine so hard to find?

Here's a quick summary:

• Only two FDA-approved manufacturers: Goprelto (Genus Lifesciences) and Numbrino (Omnivium Pharmaceuticals) are the only legal sources
• DEA Schedule II quotas: The DEA limits how much Cocaine Hydrochloride can be manufactured each year
• 2019 FDA enforcement: The FDA removed unapproved products from the market, reducing the number of supply sources
• Limited raw material suppliers: Very few companies are authorized to produce cocaine as a raw pharmaceutical ingredient
• High regulatory burden: The complex requirements for manufacturing a Schedule II controlled substance make it difficult for new companies to enter the market

How Does This Affect Your Procedure?

If your doctor planned to use Cocaine Hydrochloride for your nasal procedure, the shortage could affect you in several ways:

• Procedure delays: Your surgery or diagnostic procedure might be rescheduled if the medication isn't available
• Alternative anesthetics: Your doctor may switch to a different anesthetic combination (see our guide to alternatives)
• Facility changes: You might need to have your procedure at a different facility that has Cocaine Hydrochloride in stock

What You Can Do Right Now

1. Confirm Availability Early

Don't wait until the day of your procedure to find out if the medication is available. As soon as your procedure is scheduled, ask your surgical facility if they have Cocaine Hydrochloride in stock or can source it in time.

2. Ask About Alternatives

Talk to your doctor about alternative anesthetics like Lidocaine with Oxymetazoline or Tetracaine with Oxymetazoline. These combinations can provide similar anesthesia and vasoconstriction for most nasal procedures.

3. Use MedFinder

Search for Cocaine Hydrochloride availability near you using MedFinder. Our tool tracks medication availability across facilities and can help your healthcare team find supply. For step-by-step instructions, see our guide to finding Cocaine in stock.

4. Stay Flexible

If your preferred facility doesn't have Cocaine Hydrochloride, ask your doctor if the procedure can be performed at a different location. Some larger hospitals and academic medical centers may have better access to limited-supply medications.

5. Monitor Official Sources

Stay informed by checking these resources for updates:

• ASHP Drug Shortages Database
• FDA Drug Shortage Database
• MedFinder for real-time availability tracking

Will the Shortage End?

It's difficult to predict exactly when supply will fully normalize. The structural factors driving the shortage — limited manufacturers, DEA quotas, and regulatory barriers — are not easy to resolve quickly. However, there are some reasons for cautious optimism:

• Manufacturers may receive increased DEA quotas over time
• New manufacturers could enter the market, though the approval process takes years
• Growing awareness of the shortage may prompt regulatory action to improve supply

Understanding the Side Effects

If you do receive Cocaine Hydrochloride for your procedure, it's helpful to know what to expect. Common side effects include headache, minor nosebleeds, and nasal congestion. For a complete overview, see our article on Cocaine side effects.

For Healthcare Providers

If you're a provider dealing with this shortage, we have a dedicated guide: Cocaine shortage: What providers and prescribers need to know in 2026.

The Bottom Line

The Cocaine Hydrochloride shortage is a real challenge, but it doesn't have to derail your medical care. Work with your doctor to confirm availability early, consider alternatives, and use tools like MedFinder to track supply. Most nasal procedures can be performed successfully with alternative anesthetics if Cocaine Hydrochloride can't be found.