Cyclosporine in 2026: Where Things Stand

If you've had trouble finding Cyclosporine at your pharmacy — or if you've heard about supply problems and want to know whether they'll affect you — this update is for you. We'll cover the current shortage status, what caused the supply disruptions, how prices look in 2026, and most importantly, how to make sure you can get your medication.

Is Cyclosporine Still in Shortage?

The situation depends on which formulation you need:

• Cyclosporine Injection (IV): The manufacturer permanently discontinued this product in January 2024. This is not a temporary shortage — the injectable form is no longer being produced by its original manufacturer. Some compounding pharmacies or specialty suppliers may have limited stock, but it is no longer commercially available through standard channels.
• Sandimmune Oral Solution: In 2024, Novartis issued a voluntary recall of two lots of Sandimmune oral solution due to crystallization problems. While this was resolved, the recall reduced available inventory and caused localized shortages. The oral solution remains available but may be harder to find at some pharmacies.
• Oral Capsules (Neoral, Gengraf, Generics): These are generally available in 2026. However, intermittent supply disruptions have been reported with some generic manufacturers. Most patients should be able to find modified capsules, though it may require checking multiple pharmacies.
• Ophthalmic Formulations (Restasis, Cequa, Vevye): Generally available and not currently in shortage.

Why Has Cyclosporine Been Hard to Find?

Several factors have contributed to Cyclosporine supply problems over the past two years:

Manufacturing Discontinuations

The permanent discontinuation of Cyclosporine Injection in early 2024 was a significant blow. Hospitals that relied on the IV form for transplant patients had to shift those patients to oral formulations, increasing demand on the oral supply chain.

Quality Control Issues

The Novartis recall of Sandimmune oral solution highlights the challenges of manufacturing Cyclosporine. The drug is derived from a fungal metabolite and requires precise formulation to ensure proper absorption and stability. When quality issues arise, entire batches must be pulled from the market.

Limited Generic Competition

Cyclosporine is a narrow therapeutic index (NTI) drug — meaning small changes in blood levels can lead to serious problems like organ rejection or toxicity. This makes generic manufacturing more complex and regulated, discouraging some companies from producing it. Fewer manufacturers means less resilience when one has a supply problem.

Supply Chain Pressures

Global pharmaceutical supply chains have been under strain since the COVID-19 pandemic. Raw material shortages, shipping delays, and regulatory inspections have all contributed to intermittent drug shortages across many medication categories — Cyclosporine included.

For a deeper look at why this medication can be hard to locate, see our explainer on why Cyclosporine is so hard to find.

How Much Does Cyclosporine Cost in 2026?

Pricing varies significantly depending on the formulation and whether you have insurance:

• Generic Cyclosporine Modified Capsules (100 mg, 30 count): Cash price around $243 without discounts. With a GoodRx or SingleCare coupon, prices drop to approximately $43 to $80.
• Brand-Name Neoral (100 mg, 30 capsules): Cash price around $390 without insurance.
• Gengraf (100 mg, 30 capsules): Similar to Neoral pricing, around $245 retail.
• Restasis (ophthalmic): Cash price around $767 for a one-month supply without insurance.

Insurance typically covers generic oral Cyclosporine on Tier 2 or Tier 3 formularies. Brand-name versions may require prior authorization. For all the ways to reduce your cost, check out our guide on how to save money on Cyclosporine.

What's New in 2026?

A few developments are worth noting:

• Vevye (Cyclosporine ophthalmic solution 0.1%): This newer FDA-approved ophthalmic formulation by Harrow Health provides another option for dry eye patients, reducing reliance on Restasis.
• Novartis $0 Co-Pay Card: Novartis continues to offer a $0 co-pay card for commercially insured patients taking Neoral or Sandimmune through saveonmyprescription.com.
• Novartis Patient Assistance Foundation: Uninsured or underinsured patients may qualify for free medication through the Novartis Patient Assistance Foundation (pap.novartis.com).

How to Find Cyclosporine in Stock Right Now

If you need Cyclosporine today, here's your action plan:

1. Check Medfinder — Search for Cyclosporine availability at pharmacies near your ZIP code. It's the fastest way to find stock without making a dozen phone calls.
2. Call independent pharmacies — They often have different supply chains than chains like CVS or Walgreens.
3. Ask about different brands — If Neoral is out, generic Cyclosporine modified capsules or Gengraf may be available. Just confirm with your doctor first.
4. Contact your transplant center — For transplant patients, your center may have access to specialty pharmacies with dedicated immunosuppressant inventory.
5. Request early refills — Don't wait until you're out. Give your pharmacy at least 7 to 10 days' notice.

For more detailed strategies, read our full guide on how to find Cyclosporine in stock near you.

Final Thoughts

The Cyclosporine supply situation in 2026 is better than it was in 2024, but it's not perfect. The injectable form is gone for good, and oral formulations can still be spotty depending on your location and pharmacy. The good news is that generic oral capsules are generally available, prices can be managed with discount cards and assistance programs, and tools like Medfinder make finding stock significantly easier.

If you're on Cyclosporine, stay proactive: refill early, know your alternatives, and keep Medfinder bookmarked. Your medication is too important to leave to chance.