Your Pharmacy Is Out of Alitretinoin — Now What?

If your pharmacist just told you they can't get Alitretinoin — better known as Panretin Gel — you're dealing with a problem that thousands of patients face every day. This specialty medication for AIDS-related Kaposi sarcoma has been in short supply due to ongoing manufacturing disruptions, and finding it takes more than just calling your local drugstore.

But don't lose hope. With the right approach and the right tools, you can improve your chances of getting your prescription filled. Here's how.

Tip #1: Use Medfinder to Search Pharmacies With Stock

The most efficient way to find Alitretinoin is to stop guessing and start searching strategically. Medfinder is a free tool that helps you locate pharmacies near you that actually have your medication in stock.

Instead of spending hours calling pharmacies one by one, Medfinder lets you search in seconds. This is especially valuable for a medication like Panretin Gel, which costs $6,000 to $7,500 per tube and isn't stocked by most retail pharmacies under normal conditions — let alone during a shortage.

For a detailed walkthrough, see our guide on how to check if a pharmacy has Alitretinoin in stock.

Tip #2: Try Independent and Specialty Pharmacies

When the big chains are out, independent pharmacies can sometimes come through. Here's why:

• Different supply chains: Independent pharmacies may use different wholesalers than major chains, giving them access to stock that CVS or Walgreens doesn't have.
• Specialty pharmacies: Since Panretin is a high-cost oncology medication, specialty pharmacies that focus on cancer drugs are more likely to carry it or have the ability to order it. Ask your oncologist if they work with a preferred specialty pharmacy.
• Compounding pharmacies: While Alitretinoin specifically requires the branded product, compounding pharmacies sometimes have connections to specialty distributors that can source hard-to-find medications.

Don't overlook hospital outpatient pharmacies, either. If you're being treated at a cancer center or an HIV clinic, their in-house pharmacy may have access to supply that retail pharmacies don't.

Tip #3: Time Your Search and Be Persistent

Supply chain logistics mean that pharmacies often receive new shipments on specific days. Here are some timing strategies:

• Call early in the week: Many pharmacies receive deliveries on Monday or Tuesday. Calling first thing can help you catch new stock before it's spoken for.
• Ask to be put on a waitlist: Some pharmacies maintain waitlists for shortage medications. Being on the list means you'll get notified as soon as stock arrives.
• Set up alerts: Use Medfinder to set up notifications so you're alerted when Alitretinoin becomes available nearby.
• Refill early: Don't wait until you've run out. Start looking for your next tube well before you finish your current one — ideally two to three weeks ahead.

What If You Still Can't Find Alitretinoin?

If you've tried all of the above and still can't locate Panretin Gel, here are additional steps to consider:

Talk to Your Prescriber About the Shortage

Your oncologist or dermatologist may be aware of supply channels you don't have access to. They can also contact the manufacturer directly or submit a request through specialty pharmacy networks. Some providers have been able to obtain the EU-labeled Panretin that the FDA authorized for US sale in late 2025.

Contact Eisai's Patient Assistance Program

Eisai, the US distributor of Panretin, offers a Patient Assistance Program. While this is primarily designed for patients who can't afford the medication, the program can also help connect you with available supply. Call them directly and explain your situation.

Discuss Alternative Treatments

If Alitretinoin remains unavailable for an extended period, your doctor may recommend alternative treatments for your Kaposi sarcoma lesions. Options may include intralesional Vinblastine, topical Imiquimod (Aldara), or topical Timolol. Read our full guide on alternatives to Alitretinoin to learn more about each option.

Expand Your Search Radius

If you're only searching pharmacies in your immediate area, consider widening your radius. Specialty pharmacies that ship nationwide may have stock when local pharmacies don't. Many specialty pharmacies offer overnight or two-day shipping with cold chain handling as needed.

A Note About Cost

Finding Alitretinoin is only half the battle — affording it is the other half. With a cash price of $6,000 to $7,500 for a single 60-gram tube, even insured patients can face significant out-of-pocket costs. Discount cards from GoodRx and SingleCare can bring the price down to around $5,950, but that's still a major expense.

We've put together a detailed guide on how to save money on Alitretinoin that covers coupons, patient assistance programs, and insurance strategies.

Final Thoughts

Finding Alitretinoin in 2026 requires patience, persistence, and the right tools. The shortage is real, but so are the solutions. Start with Medfinder to check real-time pharmacy availability, work with your healthcare team, and don't be afraid to explore specialty pharmacies and patient assistance programs.

For more context on why this shortage is happening, read our post on why Alitretinoin is so hard to find in 2026.