Daptomycin Shortage in 2026: What's the Latest?

If you or a loved one relies on Daptomycin (Cubicin) to treat a serious bacterial infection, you've likely heard about — or experienced firsthand — difficulties finding it. Daptomycin has been affected by intermittent supply disruptions in recent years, leaving patients and hospitals scrambling for this critical antibiotic.

In this update, we'll cover the current shortage status, why Daptomycin remains hard to find, what it costs in 2026, and what you can do to secure your prescription.

Is Daptomycin Still in Shortage?

As of early 2026, Daptomycin continues to experience supply variability. While it's not always listed as an active shortage on the FDA or ASHP databases, real-world availability — particularly for certain formulations and from specific manufacturers — remains inconsistent.

Here's what that means for patients:

• Some generic Daptomycin vials (500 mg) may be available from certain manufacturers while others are on backorder
• Premixed IV solutions (350 mg/50 mL, 500 mg/50 mL, 700 mg/100 mL) may have separate availability from the powder vials
• Brand-name Cubicin RF may be easier to find than some generics, but at a significantly higher cost
• Availability varies by region and pharmacy type

The ASHP Drug Shortages Resource Center tracks antibiotics like Daptomycin in real time. We also recommend using Medfinder to check which pharmacies near you currently have Daptomycin in stock.

Why Is Daptomycin Hard to Find?

Several factors contribute to the ongoing supply challenges with Daptomycin:

Manufacturing Complexity

Daptomycin is a cyclic lipopeptide antibiotic derived from a soil bacterium (Streptomyces roseosporus). Its manufacturing process is more complex than typical antibiotics, involving fermentation and specialized purification steps. Any disruption in this process can lead to production delays.

Limited Manufacturer Base

While generic Daptomycin is available, the number of active manufacturers remains relatively small. When even one manufacturer experiences quality issues or production shutdowns, the market feels the impact quickly.

Rising Demand

Antibiotic-resistant infections — especially MRSA — continue to grow. As more patients need potent antibiotics like Daptomycin that work against resistant bacteria, demand has outpaced supply in some periods.

Distribution Challenges

As an IV-only medication, Daptomycin flows through a different supply chain than oral drugs. It's distributed primarily to hospitals, specialty pharmacies, and home infusion companies rather than retail pharmacies. This makes it harder for individual patients to track down. For a detailed explanation, read why Daptomycin is so hard to find.

How Much Does Daptomycin Cost in 2026?

The cost of Daptomycin varies significantly depending on whether you're getting the brand or generic version:

• Generic Daptomycin 500 mg vial: Approximately $29-$50 per vial (AWP)
• Brand Cubicin RF: Significantly higher — can exceed several hundred dollars per vial
• Premixed IV solutions: Starting around $673 for a supply of premixed bags
• Full treatment course (2-6 weeks): $400-$2,000+ depending on formulation, dose, and insurance

If cost is a concern, check out our complete guide on how to save money on Daptomycin, which covers discount programs, patient assistance, and insurance strategies.

Are There New Options or Formulations?

In recent years, the availability of premixed Daptomycin IV solutions has expanded. These ready-to-use bags eliminate the need for pharmacies to reconstitute the lyophilized powder, which can be more convenient for home infusion patients and may have separate supply from the traditional vials.

Additionally, the number of FDA-approved generic manufacturers has grown since Cubicin's patent expired, which should continue to improve supply over time.

If Daptomycin remains unavailable for your situation, there are alternative antibiotics your doctor may consider, including Vancomycin, Linezolid, Telavancin, and Oritavancin.

How to Find Daptomycin in Stock Right Now

Here are the most effective steps you can take:

1. Search on Medfinder — Check real-time pharmacy availability for Daptomycin near you
2. Contact specialty and home infusion pharmacies — These are the most likely sources for IV antibiotics
3. Ask your hospital pharmacist — They can check system-wide inventory and may be able to transfer stock from another facility
4. Check both formulations — If the 500 mg vial is unavailable, ask about the premixed IV bags or the 350 mg vial
5. Contact Merck — The manufacturer's patient assistance program at merckhelps.com may help with both access and cost

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

Final Thoughts

Daptomycin remains a critical weapon against some of the most dangerous antibiotic-resistant infections. While supply challenges persist in 2026, the situation is improving as more generic manufacturers enter the market and premixed formulations become more widely available.

Stay proactive: use Medfinder to monitor availability, work closely with your infectious disease doctor, and explore all formulation options. If you're a healthcare provider, our provider shortage guide has additional resources and strategies.