Ethyl Chloride in 2026: What's the Latest on Availability?

If you've recently gone to the doctor for an injection, blood draw, or minor procedure and been told that Ethyl Chloride isn't available, you may be wondering what's going on. Ethyl Chloride — the instant numbing spray that healthcare providers use to make needle sticks and minor surgeries less painful — has faced ongoing supply challenges.

Here's what patients need to know about the Ethyl Chloride supply situation in 2026, including why it's hard to find, what it costs, and what your options are.

Is Ethyl Chloride Still in Shortage?

As of early 2026, Ethyl Chloride is not listed on the official FDA or ASHP drug shortage databases. However, that doesn't mean it's easy to find everywhere. Because Ethyl Chloride is manufactured by a single company — Gebauer Company in Cleveland, Ohio — any production delay or supply chain issue can cause temporary stockouts at individual hospitals, clinics, and medical supply distributors.

Many healthcare facilities have reported intermittent difficulty ordering Ethyl Chloride, especially during peak demand periods like flu season when injection volumes increase.

Why Is Ethyl Chloride Hard to Find?

Several factors contribute to supply challenges:

• Single-source product: Gebauer Company is the only manufacturer of medical-grade Ethyl Chloride in the U.S. There's no generic version available.
• Specialized manufacturing: Ethyl Chloride (Chloroethane) is a flammable chemical that requires strict quality controls and specialized handling for medical use.
• Medical device classification: As an FDA-cleared medical device rather than a drug, Ethyl Chloride is distributed through medical supply channels, not retail pharmacies. This limits where it can be purchased.
• Supply chain disruptions: Broader disruptions affecting chemical manufacturing and medical supply logistics have periodically impacted availability.

For a deeper look at these supply issues, read Why Is Ethyl Chloride So Hard to Find?

How Much Does Ethyl Chloride Cost in 2026?

Most patients never pay for Ethyl Chloride directly — it's typically included in the cost of your medical procedure or office visit. Your doctor's office or hospital purchases it as a supply item.

However, if you need to purchase Ethyl Chloride yourself (which is uncommon), here's what to expect:

• Retail price: $45 to $65 per bottle or can
• With a discount coupon (e.g., SingleCare): Around $30
• Through medical supply distributors: Pricing varies by account and volume, but typically ranges from $30 to $50 per unit

There is no generic version of Ethyl Chloride, so brand pricing is your only option. For tips on reducing costs, see How to Save Money on Ethyl Chloride.

Are There New Options or Alternatives?

Yes. If your provider can't get Ethyl Chloride, several alternatives can provide similar pain control:

• Gebauer's Pain Ease: A non-flammable vapocoolant spray from the same manufacturer. It works the same way and doesn't require a prescription. It's the closest substitute.
• EMLA Cream (Lidocaine/Prilocaine): A topical anesthetic cream that provides deeper numbing but takes 30-60 minutes to work.
• CoolJect: A non-flammable, hazmat-free vapocoolant spray for needle procedures.
• Gebauer's Spray and Stretch: A non-flammable option specifically for myofascial pain and trigger point therapy.

Read our full comparison at Alternatives to Ethyl Chloride.

How to Find Ethyl Chloride in Stock

If you or your provider specifically needs Ethyl Chloride, here are the best ways to find it:

1. Use Medfinder: Medfinder can show you real-time availability at pharmacies and medical suppliers near your location.
2. Contact medical supply distributors: McKesson, McGuff Medical, Henry Schein, and Rally Inc. are authorized Gebauer distributors.
3. Check Gebauer's website: Visit gebauer.com for their official "Where to Buy" directory.
4. Call ahead: Before scheduling a procedure, ask your provider's office if they have Ethyl Chloride in stock or if they'll be using an alternative.

For more detailed tips, see How to Find Ethyl Chloride in Stock Near You.

Final Thoughts

While Ethyl Chloride isn't in a formal shortage in 2026, it remains a single-source product that can be hard to find at times. The key takeaways for patients:

• Your provider may use an alternative numbing method if Ethyl Chloride isn't available — and that's okay
• Effective alternatives like Pain Ease work just as well for most procedures
• If you need Ethyl Chloride specifically, tools like Medfinder can help you track it down
• Most patients don't pay for it separately — it's included in your procedure cost