Provider Briefing: The Depo-Medrol Shortage in 2026

The ongoing shortage of Methylprednisolone Acetate injection (Depo-Medrol) continues to impact clinical workflows across specialties in 2026. Whether you're a rheumatologist performing intra-articular injections, an orthopedic surgeon managing post-procedural inflammation, or a primary care physician treating allergic conditions, this shortage has likely affected your practice.

This article provides a concise overview of the current situation, prescribing implications, available alternatives, and tools to help your patients access the medication they need.

Shortage Timeline

Methylprednisolone Acetate injection has experienced intermittent supply disruptions for over a decade. Here's the relevant timeline:

• 2012: The New England Compounding Center (NECC) fungal meningitis outbreak — linked to contaminated compounded Methylprednisolone Acetate — resulted in 64 deaths and over 750 infections. This event led to sweeping regulatory changes for compounding pharmacies and highlighted the fragility of the corticosteroid supply chain.
• 2013–2023: Intermittent shortages of various Methylprednisolone Acetate injection strengths, driven by manufacturing issues at Pfizer and limited generic competition.
• 2024: Both Pfizer and Sandoz reported manufacturing delays affecting 40 mg/mL and 80 mg/mL vials. The ASHP and FDA formally listed Methylprednisolone Acetate injection as in shortage.
• 2025: Resupply dates initially estimated for late 2025 were partially met, but not all strengths returned to full supply. Some allocations remained in place through year-end.
• 2026: Supply is improving but remains inconsistent. Providers in some regions report adequate stock while others continue to face backorders.

Prescribing Implications

The shortage has several practical implications for prescribers:

Dosage Form Flexibility

If your preferred strength (e.g., 80 mg/mL) is unavailable, consider whether an alternative strength can achieve the same therapeutic goal. For example, two 40 mg/mL vials can substitute for one 80 mg/mL vial in many scenarios, though this increases cost and waste.

Route of Administration

Depo-Medrol is approved for intramuscular, intra-articular, soft tissue, and intralesional injection. If one route is impractical due to vial size limitations, discuss alternatives with your pharmacist or medical supplier.

Generic Substitution

Generic Methylprednisolone Acetate is therapeutically equivalent to Depo-Medrol. If the brand is unavailable, generic versions from Sandoz or other manufacturers are appropriate substitutes. However, generic supply has also been affected by the shortage.

Documentation

When switching patients to alternative corticosteroids due to the shortage, document the clinical rationale in the patient's chart. This protects both you and the patient, and supports insurance claims if the alternative has different coverage terms.

Current Availability Picture

As of early 2026, availability varies by strength and region:

• 20 mg/mL: Generally more available than higher strengths
• 40 mg/mL: Intermittently available; some distributors report allocations
• 80 mg/mL: Most affected by the shortage; limited stock at many distributors

Providers can check real-time availability using Medfinder for Providers, which tracks stock across pharmacies and medical suppliers.

Cost and Access Considerations

For patients paying out of pocket or with high-deductible plans, cost matters:

• Generic Methylprednisolone Acetate: $6 to $25 per vial with discount cards (GoodRx, SingleCare)
• Brand Depo-Medrol: $24 to $75 per vial at retail
• In-office administration: Most insured patients pay minimal out-of-pocket when the injection is billed as a medical benefit under their plan

For uninsured or underinsured patients, Pfizer RxPathways may provide access to assistance programs. NeedyMeds (needymeds.org) and RxAssist (rxassist.org) are additional resources for identifying patient assistance programs.

For a detailed cost guide to share with patients, see: How to Save Money on Depo-Medrol in 2026. For provider-specific savings strategies, see: How to Help Patients Save Money on Depo-Medrol: A Provider's Guide.

Tools and Resources for Providers

Several tools can help you manage the shortage and support your patients:

Medfinder for Providers

Medfinder offers real-time medication availability tracking. You and your staff can use it to quickly identify which pharmacies or suppliers near your practice have Methylprednisolone Acetate in stock.

ASHP Drug Shortage Database

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists maintains an updated shortage list with manufacturer-reported resupply estimates. This is the most authoritative source for tracking the status of the Methylprednisolone Acetate shortage.

FDA Drug Shortage Database

The FDA's drug shortage page provides information on the causes of shortages and any regulatory actions being taken to address them.

Alternative Corticosteroid Reference

When substituting, the following equivalencies and alternatives are commonly referenced:

• Kenalog (Triamcinolone Acetonide) 40 mg/mL: Most directly comparable to Depo-Medrol 40 mg/mL for joint and soft tissue injections. Widely available.
• Celestone Soluspan (Betamethasone): Dual-action (rapid + depot) formulation. Useful when both quick onset and sustained effect are desired.
• Aristospan (Triamcinolone Hexacetonide) 20 mg/mL: Preferred by many rheumatologists for intra-articular injections in inflammatory arthritis. May provide longer duration of joint relief.
• Solu-Medrol (Methylprednisolone Sodium Succinate): IV/IM formulation for acute situations. Not a depot formulation — shorter duration of action.

For a patient-facing comparison of alternatives, see: Alternatives to Depo-Medrol If You Can't Fill Your Prescription.

Looking Ahead

The corticosteroid injectable market remains concentrated among a small number of manufacturers, which makes it inherently vulnerable to supply disruptions. While Pfizer and Sandoz are working to restore full production, the timeline remains uncertain.

Providers should:

• Maintain awareness of current shortage status through ASHP and FDA databases
• Have a plan for alternative corticosteroids when Depo-Medrol is unavailable
• Proactively communicate with patients about the shortage and their options
• Use tools like Medfinder to streamline the process of locating available stock

Final Thoughts

The Depo-Medrol shortage is a supply-side problem, not a clinical one. Effective alternatives exist, and supply is gradually improving. By staying informed, planning ahead, and using the right tools, you can minimize disruption to your patients' care.

For a practical guide to helping patients find Depo-Medrol, see: How to Help Your Patients Find Depo-Medrol in Stock: A Provider's Guide.