Crexont Availability: A Guide for Providers and Prescribers

As a neurologist, movement disorder specialist, or primary care provider treating Parkinson's disease, you may have received calls from patients unable to fill their Crexont (Carbidopa/Levodopa extended-release capsules) prescriptions. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the current Crexont supply landscape and practical strategies to help your patients maintain uninterrupted therapy.

Current Supply Status: February 2026

Crexont received FDA approval on August 7, 2024, with pharmacy availability beginning in late 2024. As of February 2026:

• Crexont is not listed on the FDA Drug Shortages Database
• However, pharmacy-level availability remains inconsistent across the United States
• GoodRx and other pricing platforms have noted limited pharmacy stocking in many regions
• No generic equivalent is available or anticipated in the near term

This situation is characteristic of a new brand-name product in the early stages of market penetration rather than a traditional supply chain shortage.

Factors Contributing to Limited Availability

Manufacturing and Distribution Ramp-Up

Amneal Pharmaceuticals is the sole manufacturer of Crexont. The company continues to scale production and expand its distribution network through major wholesalers (McKesson, Cardinal Health, AmerisourceBergen). New drug launches typically require 12 to 24 months to achieve full market distribution.

Pharmacy Stocking Patterns

Retail pharmacies make stocking decisions based on demand. Because Crexont is new and relatively expensive (approximately $540–$665 per 120 capsules), many pharmacies—particularly independent pharmacies—have not added it to their regular inventory. This creates a feedback loop: low prescribing leads to low stocking, which makes it harder for patients to fill prescriptions, which discourages further prescribing.

Payer Barriers

Insurance coverage for Crexont varies significantly. Common barriers include:

• Prior authorization requirements
• Step therapy protocols requiring trial of immediate-release Carbidopa/Levodopa first
• Non-formulary status on some commercial and Medicare Part D plans
• Specialty pharmacy requirements on certain plans

These barriers delay patient access and reduce pharmacy demand, further contributing to limited stocking.

Clinical Considerations for Prescribers

Dosing and Conversion

Crexont dosages are not interchangeable with other Carbidopa/Levodopa products on a milligram-per-milligram basis. Key conversion guidance from the prescribing information:

• From immediate-release Carbidopa/Levodopa: Use the conversion table in Section 2.2 of the full prescribing information. Patients converting from IR formulations may require dose adjustments.
• From Rytary: Initiate Crexont on an approximately 1:1 mg basis using the Levodopa component.
• From Sinemet CR: No direct conversion guidance is provided; clinical judgment and dose titration are recommended.

Available Strengths

Crexont is available in eight strengths (Carbidopa/Levodopa):

• 23.75mg/95mg
• 36.25mg/145mg
• 48.75mg/195mg
• 61.25mg/245mg
• 35mg/140mg
• 52.5mg/210mg
• 70mg/280mg
• 87.5mg/350mg

The capsules can be opened and sprinkled on soft food (e.g., applesauce) without affecting the extended-release properties—an important consideration for patients with dysphagia.

Key Warnings and Contraindications

• Contraindicated with nonselective MAO inhibitors (discontinue at least 14 days prior)
• Monitor for dyskinesia (may require dose reduction)
• Monitor for impulse control disorders, hallucinations, orthostatic hypotension, and somnolence
• Avoid in patients with narrow-angle glaucoma
• Avoid concomitant use with alcohol-containing beverages, which may alter the release profile

For full prescribing details, see Crexont drug interactions and side effects.

Strategies to Help Your Patients Access Crexont

1. Direct Patients to MedFinder

MedFinder for Providers is a free tool that helps patients locate pharmacies with Crexont in stock. You can direct patients to medfinder.com or integrate it into your practice workflow. Learn more at medfinder.com/providers.

2. Proactive Prior Authorization

Submit prior authorization requests at the time of prescribing, not after the patient arrives at the pharmacy. Include clinical documentation of:

• Diagnosis and disease stage
• Prior medications tried and reasons for failure or switching
• Clinical rationale for Crexont specifically (e.g., motor fluctuations, off time)

3. Prescribe to Pharmacies Known to Stock Crexont

Use MedFinder or contact Amneal's provider support to identify pharmacies in your area that regularly carry Crexont. Maintaining a short list of "Crexont-friendly" pharmacies can streamline the process for your patients.

4. Leverage Amneal's Provider Resources

Amneal Pharmaceuticals offers provider support including:

• Crexont Savings Program enrollment for commercially insured patients ($25 copay)
• Patient Assistance Program for uninsured/underinsured patients
• HCP resources at crexonthcp.com

5. Have a Backup Plan

Discuss alternative medications with patients proactively. If Crexont becomes temporarily unavailable, having a pre-agreed conversion plan to Rytary, Sinemet CR, or IR Carbidopa/Levodopa prevents treatment gaps.

Looking Ahead

Crexont availability is expected to improve throughout 2026 as Amneal expands distribution and more providers adopt the medication. For the latest patient-facing information, see our patient shortage update. For additional provider tools, visit medfinder.com/providers.

Also see: How to help your patients find Crexont in stock and How to help patients save money on Crexont.