Eohilia Shortage Update: February 2026

If you've been prescribed Eohilia (Budesonide oral suspension) for eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) and had trouble finding it, you're not alone. Many patients are reporting difficulty getting this medication filled. Here's the latest on what's happening with Eohilia supply and what you can do about it.

Is There an Official Eohilia Shortage?

As of February 2026, Eohilia is not listed on the FDA's official drug shortage database. This means that from a manufacturing standpoint, Takeda Pharmaceuticals is producing and distributing the medication.

However, the reality on the ground tells a different story. Many patients report weeks-long delays, insurance denials, and difficulty finding specialty pharmacies that have Eohilia in stock. This is what experts sometimes call a "practical shortage" — the drug is being made, but patients still can't access it.

Why Is Eohilia Hard to Get?

Several factors contribute to the access challenges:

• Specialty pharmacy distribution: Eohilia is only available through specialty pharmacies, not your local drugstore. This limits the number of locations where you can fill your prescription.
• Insurance barriers: Most insurance plans require prior authorization for Eohilia, and many initially deny coverage. Appeals can take additional weeks.
• High cost: At approximately $1,930 per 30-day supply without insurance, few patients can afford to pay cash while waiting for insurance approval.
• Growing demand: As awareness of EoE increases and more patients are diagnosed, demand for Eohilia is growing. The specialty pharmacy distribution network may not be scaling as quickly.
• No generic available: There is no generic Budesonide oral suspension for EoE, so there's no alternative supply source.

For a deeper dive into these issues, see our post on why Eohilia is so hard to find.

What Should Patients Do Right Now?

If you're struggling to get Eohilia, here are your best options:

1. Use MedFinder to Track Availability

MedFinder lets you search for Eohilia availability at pharmacies near you. Check regularly, as stock levels can change.

2. Take Advantage of Takeda's Support Programs

Takeda offers several programs that can help:

• Eohilia Copay Offer: Commercially insured patients may pay as little as $0 per 30-day supply, with a maximum annual benefit of $2,500
• Head Start Program: Get a one-time free 30-day supply while your insurance processes the prior authorization
• Patient support line: Call 1-866-861-1482 for personalized help finding a pharmacy and navigating coverage

3. Work With Your Doctor on Prior Authorization

Ask your doctor to submit the prior authorization as soon as possible. Include:

• Endoscopy results confirming EoE diagnosis
• Biopsy showing 15 or more eosinophils per high-power field
• Documentation of any prior treatments tried
• A letter of medical necessity explaining why Eohilia is needed

4. Know Your Alternatives

If you absolutely cannot get Eohilia, there are other treatment options for EoE. These include compounded budesonide slurry, swallowed fluticasone, Dupixent, and proton pump inhibitors. Read our full guide on alternatives to Eohilia.

How to Stay Informed

The Eohilia availability situation can change. Here's how to stay up to date:

• Bookmark MedFinder and check it regularly
• Sign up for notifications from your specialty pharmacy
• Follow EoE patient communities on social media (Reddit's r/EosinophilicE is an active community)
• Check the FDA Drug Shortages database for official updates

What We're Watching

Looking ahead in 2026, we're watching several things that could affect Eohilia availability:

• Insurance coverage expansion: As more insurers add Eohilia to their formularies, access should improve
• Growing EoE awareness: More diagnoses mean more prescriptions, which could strain or expand the supply chain
• Potential competition: Other EoE treatments in development could eventually reduce demand pressure on Eohilia

We'll continue updating this post as the situation changes. For tips on reducing your out-of-pocket costs, see how to save money on Eohilia.