The Gonal-F Shortage in 2026: What's Really Going On

If you're a fertility patient trying to fill a Gonal-F prescription right now, you've probably already discovered that it's not as simple as walking into a pharmacy. Supply constraints on Gonal-F (follitropin alfa) have created a challenging landscape for patients and providers alike.

Here's the latest on what's happening with Gonal-F availability, what it costs, and what you can do about it.

Is Gonal-F Still in Shortage?

Gonal-F has experienced intermittent supply constraints that have made it difficult to find at many pharmacies. While not always formally listed as "in shortage" on the FDA's Drug Shortage Database, real-world availability has been inconsistent — particularly for certain pen strengths like the popular 900 IU Redi-ject.

The situation can vary week to week and region to region. Some specialty pharmacies may have stock while retail pharmacies don't. The bottom line: Gonal-F availability remains tight in early 2026, and patients should plan ahead.

Why Is Gonal-F Hard to Find?

Several factors contribute to ongoing availability challenges:

• Sole-source manufacturing: EMD Serono is the only manufacturer of follitropin alfa in the US. Any production hiccup affects the entire supply.
• No US biosimilar: Unlike in Europe where biosimilars like Ovaleap and Bemfola offer alternatives, the US market has no approved follitropin alfa biosimilar.
• Complex biologic production: Gonal-F is produced using living cell cultures, making manufacturing slow and expensive to scale.
• Increasing demand: More patients are pursuing IVF and other assisted reproduction treatments, driven by growing awareness and expanded insurance mandates in several states.
• Specialty distribution: Gonal-F requires cold-chain handling and is primarily distributed through specialty pharmacy channels, limiting points of access.

For a deeper dive, read our explainer on why Gonal-F is so hard to find.

How Much Does Gonal-F Cost in 2026?

Gonal-F is one of the more expensive fertility medications. Here's what patients can expect to pay:

• Gonal-F RFF Redi-ject 900 IU pen: approximately $900-$1,500 cash price
• Gonal-F RFF Redi-ject 450 IU pen: approximately $500-$800 cash price
• Total per IVF cycle: $1,800-$6,000+ for Gonal-F alone, depending on your prescribed dose

Insurance coverage varies widely. Many plans cover fertility medications if you have a fertility benefit, but prior authorization is common. Some states — including Massachusetts, Connecticut, Illinois, New York, and others — mandate fertility treatment coverage, which may include gonadotropin medications.

If cost is a concern, don't miss our guide on how to save money on Gonal-F.

Are There New Options for Fertility Patients in 2026?

While no new follitropin alfa products have entered the US market recently, patients do have established alternatives:

• Follistim AQ (follitropin beta) — the most direct alternative, another recombinant FSH product
• Menopur (menotropins) — a gonadotropin with both FSH and LH activity
• Oral options for less intensive protocols — Clomid (clomiphene) and Letrozole for ovulation induction

Read our full comparison in alternatives to Gonal-F.

Additionally, more fertility clinics are establishing their own in-house dispensaries to ensure patients have access to critical medications without relying solely on external pharmacies.

How to Find Gonal-F in Stock Right Now

Here's what we recommend:

1. Use Medfinder to check real-time pharmacy availability across your area
2. Contact specialty fertility pharmacies — Freedom Fertility, Encompass Fertility, Alto Pharmacy, and Village Fertility Pharmacy often have better supply
3. Ask your fertility clinic about their dispensary or preferred pharmacy partners
4. Call EMD Serono's Fertility Lifelines at 1-866-538-7879 for help locating stock
5. Start searching early — don't wait until the day you need to start injections

For detailed strategies, see our guide on how to find Gonal-F in stock near you.

Final Thoughts

The Gonal-F supply situation in 2026 remains challenging but manageable with the right preparation. Start looking early, use tools like Medfinder, explore specialty pharmacies, and stay in close contact with your fertility team.

If Gonal-F truly isn't available, your doctor has alternatives that can keep your treatment on track. The most important thing is to communicate early and often with your care team so you're never caught off guard.