Your Patients Can't Find Xulane — Here's How You Can Help

You've prescribed Xulane for your patient. The clinical decision was straightforward. But now your patient is calling back — the pharmacy doesn't have it, and they're not sure what to do next.

This scenario is playing out in practices across the country. While Xulane is not in a formal FDA-declared shortage, localized supply issues mean that some patients face real difficulty getting their prescription filled. As a provider, you're in a unique position to help bridge that gap.

This guide offers practical, actionable steps you can take to help your patients find Xulane — and keep them on effective contraception even when supply is tight.

Current Xulane Availability

Xulane (Norelgestromin 150 mcg/Ethinyl Estradiol 35 mcg transdermal system) is manufactured by Mylan Pharmaceuticals (Viatris). It is one of only three contraceptive patches on the U.S. market, alongside Zafemy and Twirla.

As of 2026:

• Xulane is not on the FDA drug shortage list
• Spot shortages continue at individual pharmacies and in certain regions
• Chain pharmacies are more commonly affected than independent pharmacies
• Mail-order pharmacies generally maintain more consistent stock

For a broader overview of the supply situation, see our provider shortage briefing for 2026.

Why Patients Can't Find Xulane

Understanding the root causes helps you counsel patients effectively:

• Limited manufacturer base: Only one company (Viatris) makes Xulane. Any production fluctuation directly impacts supply.
• Pharmacy stocking algorithms: Chain pharmacies use automated inventory systems that stock based on recent dispensing history. A pharmacy that hasn't filled many Xulane prescriptions recently may not keep it on hand.
• Distributor allocation: When supply is constrained, wholesale distributors may limit how many units each pharmacy can order.
• Patient weight/BMI restrictions: Xulane's boxed warning and BMI ≥ 30 kg/m² contraindication narrows the eligible population, which in turn reduces pharmacy demand forecasting for the product.

What Providers Can Do: 5 Steps

Step 1: Direct Patients to Medfinder

The most immediate action you can take is to point patients to Medfinder. Medfinder allows patients to check real-time Xulane availability at pharmacies near them by zip code. This eliminates the frustrating process of calling multiple pharmacies.

Consider adding Medfinder to your patient handouts or after-visit summaries for Xulane prescriptions. A simple line like: "If your pharmacy doesn't have Xulane in stock, visit medfinder.com to find a nearby pharmacy that does" can save patients significant time and stress.

Step 2: Prescribe to a Specific Pharmacy When Possible

If you know — or can quickly check — that a particular pharmacy consistently carries Xulane, send the prescription there. This is especially helpful for:

• Independent pharmacies that keep steady Xulane inventory
• Health system outpatient pharmacies
• Mail-order pharmacies associated with the patient's insurance plan

Building a short internal list of "Xulane-friendly pharmacies" in your area can streamline this for your whole practice.

Step 3: Have a Therapeutic Alternative Ready

When Xulane is unavailable, having a quick pivot plan reduces delays:

• Zafemy: Same active ingredients. Closest equivalent. Requires a new prescription but minimal clinical adjustment.
• Twirla: Different progestin (Levonorgestrel), lower estrogen (30 mcg EE/day). Appropriate for many of the same patients, with some differences in side effect profile.
• NuvaRing (or generic): Monthly vaginal ring. Good for patients who prefer non-oral, non-daily dosing but don't mind switching away from a patch.
• Oral CHCs: The most widely available category. Dozens of brands and generics ensure consistent supply.

Document your preferred alternative protocol so that other clinicians in your practice (NPs, PAs, residents) can act quickly when a patient calls about availability issues.

Step 4: Help Patients Access Savings Programs

Cost barriers can compound availability problems. Ensure your patients know about:

• Viatris Xulane Savings Card: $0 on first fill, $15 on subsequent fills for commercially insured patients. Enroll at xulane.com/savings.
• Discount cards: GoodRx (~$47/box), SingleCare (~$77/box) for uninsured or underinsured patients.
• Viatris Patient Assistance Program: For eligible patients without insurance. Apply through viatris.com.
• ACA contraceptive mandate: Remind patients that most commercial insurance plans are required to cover at least one form of each contraceptive method — including the patch — without cost-sharing.

For a detailed cost-saving resource to share with patients, see how to save money on Xulane.

Step 5: Educate Patients on Proactive Refilling

A brief conversation can prevent future problems:

• Advise patients to refill Xulane 5-7 days before running out
• Suggest calling the pharmacy to confirm stock before making the trip
• Recommend 90-day fills if insurance allows — fewer refills means fewer stockout encounters
• Let patients know they can transfer prescriptions between pharmacies if needed

Alternatives at a Glance

Quick reference for switching conversations:

• Zafemy — Same active ingredients as Xulane. Weekly patch, 3 weeks on / 1 week off. Closest substitute.
• Twirla — Levonorgestrel/EE patch. Lower estrogen. Weekly application. Brand-name only.
• NuvaRing — Etonogestrel/EE vaginal ring. Monthly insertion. Generic available.
• Oral CHCs — Daily pills. Many brands/generics (Yaz, Lo Loestrin Fe, Sprintec, etc.). Widely stocked everywhere.

For the patient-facing version of this comparison, share alternatives to Xulane.

Workflow Tips for Your Practice

Consider implementing these practice-level strategies:

1. Maintain an internal "availability watch" list: Track which medications (including Xulane) your patients commonly report difficulty finding. Review quarterly.
2. Add Medfinder to patient materials: Include medfinder.com/providers in after-visit summaries, patient portal messages, and prescription-related handouts.
3. Standardize alternative protocols: Create a simple decision tree: "If Xulane unavailable → try Zafemy → if unavailable → consider Twirla or NuvaRing → if patient prefers daily → oral CHC."
4. Proactive patient communication: If you become aware of a supply issue, send a batch message to affected patients through your patient portal before they run out.
5. Coordinate with pharmacy partners: Build relationships with 2-3 pharmacies (including at least one independent) that reliably stock Xulane. This gives your team go-to options for patients.

Final Thoughts

Xulane supply disruptions are frustrating for patients and create extra work for providers. But with a proactive approach — directing patients to Medfinder, having alternatives ready, helping with cost programs, and building pharmacy relationships — you can keep your patients on effective contraception even when supply is inconsistent.

The goal is simple: no patient should go without birth control because of a pharmacy stocking issue. With the right tools and a little planning, you can make that a reality for your practice.