Doxycycline Shortage Update: What Patients Need to Know in 2026

Updated:

February 27, 2026

Author:

Peter Daggett

Summarize this blog with AI:

Is Doxycycline still in shortage in 2026? Get the latest update on availability, pricing, and what you can do to find your prescription.

Doxycycline in 2026: Where Do Things Stand?

If you've been prescribed Doxycycline in the last few years, there's a good chance you've experienced the frustration of hearing "we're out of stock" at the pharmacy counter. The Doxycycline shortage made national headlines in 2023 and continued to affect patients throughout 2024 and 2025.

So where do things stand now, in 2026? Here's what you need to know.

Is Doxycycline Still in Shortage?

The situation has improved significantly compared to 2023-2024, when pharmacies across the country were running out regularly. Manufacturers have increased production, and the FDA has worked to bring additional supply to market.

However, Doxycycline is not completely out of the woods. Spot shortages — where individual pharmacies or regions run low on specific formulations — continue to happen. The most affected products include:

  • Doxycycline hyclate 100 mg capsules (the most commonly prescribed form)
  • Certain generic tablet formulations
  • Doxycycline oral suspension (liquid form, used for children)

If you're having trouble finding Doxycycline, Medfinder can help you locate pharmacies near you with current stock.

Why Has Doxycycline Been So Hard to Find?

The shortage has roots in several overlapping problems:

The DoxyPEP Effect

Starting in 2023, public health authorities began recommending Doxycycline as post-exposure prophylaxis for sexually transmitted infections — known as DoxyPEP. This new use created a massive, unexpected surge in demand. Millions of new prescriptions were written for a drug whose supply chain was calibrated for traditional uses.

Manufacturing Bottlenecks

Doxycycline production depends on a limited number of raw material suppliers, most based overseas. When any of these suppliers experience disruptions — quality issues, factory shutdowns, or export restrictions — the entire U.S. supply chain feels the impact.

Market Concentration

Only a handful of manufacturers produce generic Doxycycline for the U.S. market. Companies like Hikma, Par Pharmaceutical, Lupin, and Amneal make up the bulk of supply. When even one manufacturer has a problem, it can create a significant gap.

Price Volatility History

Doxycycline has a history of dramatic price swings. In 2013, prices spiked from around $20 per bottle to over $1,800, drawing attention to how fragile the generic drug supply chain can be. While prices have stabilized, the underlying market dynamics that caused those swings haven't fully been resolved.

How Much Does Doxycycline Cost in 2026?

The good news is that when you can find it, generic Doxycycline remains relatively affordable:

  • Generic doxycycline hyclate 100 mg (14-20 capsules): $15 to $45 cash price
  • With a discount card (GoodRx, SingleCare, etc.): As low as $8 to $15
  • Online pharmacies (Cost Plus Drugs, etc.): Often $10 to $20
  • Brand-name Doryx: $300 to $500+
  • Brand-name Oracea (for rosacea): $400 to $700

Most insurance plans cover generic Doxycycline on their lowest tier with no prior authorization required. If you're paying out of pocket, check our guide on how to save money on Doxycycline.

New Options and Developments

Several positive developments have helped improve the Doxycycline supply picture:

  • Increased production: Existing manufacturers have expanded their output in response to sustained demand
  • New suppliers: The FDA has worked to expedite approvals for additional generic manufacturers
  • Formulation flexibility: Pharmacies and prescribers have become more comfortable switching between doxycycline hyclate and monohydrate forms, as well as different strengths, which spreads demand more evenly
  • Better tracking tools: Services like Medfinder help patients find available stock quickly, reducing wasted trips and unnecessary hoarding

How to Find Doxycycline in Stock Right Now

If you need Doxycycline today, here's what to do:

  1. Search on Medfinder to find pharmacies near you with current availability
  2. Call independent pharmacies — they often use different distributors than chain pharmacies and may have stock when CVS and Walgreens don't
  3. Ask about different formulations — if hyclate capsules are out, monohydrate capsules or Doryx delayed-release tablets might be available
  4. Consider a different strength — two 50 mg capsules work the same as one 100 mg capsule
  5. Check online pharmacies — Cost Plus Drugs, Amazon Pharmacy, and Honeybee Health often have generic Doxycycline in stock

For a complete guide, read our article on how to find Doxycycline in stock near you.

What If You Can't Find Doxycycline at All?

If you've exhausted all options and truly cannot find Doxycycline, talk to your doctor about alternatives. Depending on your condition:

  • Minocycline — same drug class, similar effectiveness for most indications
  • Azithromycin — works well for respiratory infections and chlamydia
  • Amoxicillin — the go-to alternative for Lyme disease

Learn more in our guide to alternatives to Doxycycline.

Final Thoughts

The Doxycycline shortage of 2023-2024 was one of the most disruptive antibiotic shortages in recent memory. While 2026 looks much better, the supply chain for this essential medication remains somewhat fragile. Spot shortages can still happen, and patients need to be prepared.

Stay informed, use tools like Medfinder to track availability, and work closely with your doctor and pharmacist. If you plan ahead and know your options, you'll be in a much better position to get the medication you need when you need it.

Is Doxycycline still in shortage in 2026?

The widespread shortage has improved significantly, but spot shortages continue in some areas and for certain formulations. Doxycycline hyclate 100 mg capsules and oral suspension are the most affected. Supply is much better than 2023-2024, but patients may still encounter occasional availability issues.

How much does Doxycycline cost without insurance in 2026?

Generic doxycycline hyclate 100 mg typically costs $15 to $45 for a 14-20 capsule course without insurance. With discount cards like GoodRx or SingleCare, prices can drop to $8 to $15. Brand-name versions like Doryx ($300-$500) and Oracea ($400-$700) cost significantly more.

Why did the Doxycycline shortage happen in the first place?

The shortage was driven by a sudden surge in demand from DoxyPEP (using Doxycycline to prevent STIs), combined with manufacturing bottlenecks, limited raw material suppliers, and a small number of generic producers. The supply chain simply couldn't keep up with the rapid increase in prescriptions.

Will the Doxycycline shortage come back?

It's possible. The generic drug market for Doxycycline still has relatively few manufacturers, and demand from DoxyPEP use continues to grow. However, manufacturers have expanded production and the FDA is working to approve additional suppliers, which should help prevent a repeat of the 2023-2024 crisis.

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