Ibsrela Availability in 2026: What's Going On?

If you've been having trouble filling your Ibsrela (tenapanor) prescription, you might be wondering: Is Ibsrela in shortage? The short answer is that Ibsrela is not currently listed on the FDA Drug Shortage Database as of early 2026. However, that doesn't mean it's easy to find at your local pharmacy.

Many patients report difficulty locating Ibsrela in stock, even when there's no official shortage. In this article, we'll break down what's happening with Ibsrela availability, why it's hard to find, what it costs in 2026, and what you can do about it.

Is Ibsrela Still in Shortage?

As of February 2026, Ibsrela is not in a formal shortage. The FDA has not listed tenapanor on its drug shortage database, and the manufacturer Ardelyx has not reported supply disruptions.

However, "not in shortage" doesn't always mean "easy to find." Ibsrela is a specialty medication made by a single manufacturer, and many retail pharmacies don't keep it routinely in stock. This creates a practical availability gap that feels like a shortage to patients who need the medication.

Why Is Ibsrela Hard to Find?

Several factors contribute to Ibsrela's limited availability at pharmacies:

• Single manufacturer: Ardelyx is the only company that makes Ibsrela. There are no generic alternatives or authorized generics, so the entire supply comes from one source.
• Low pharmacy demand: Ibsrela is typically prescribed after patients have tried first-line treatments like Linzess or Trulance. Because fewer prescriptions are written, pharmacies often don't stock it.
• High cost: At $2,000 to $2,500 per 30-day supply, Ibsrela is expensive for pharmacies to keep on shelves without guaranteed sales.
• Insurance barriers: Prior authorization and step therapy requirements reduce the number of patients who actually fill Ibsrela prescriptions, further decreasing pharmacy incentive to stock it.

For a deeper dive into these factors, read our article on why Ibsrela is so hard to find.

How Much Does Ibsrela Cost in 2026?

Here's what you can expect to pay for Ibsrela in 2026:

• Cash price (without insurance): Approximately $2,000 to $2,500 for a 30-day supply (60 tablets of 50 mg)
• With commercial insurance: Copays vary widely, but the Ardelyx Commercial Copay Program can reduce your cost to as little as $0 per fill (Ardelyx covers up to $1,786 per 30-day supply)
• With discount cards: Services like SingleCare may offer prices around $1,800 for a 30-day supply
• Generic: Not available. No generic is expected until at least 2033.

For more ways to reduce your costs, check out our comprehensive guide on how to save money on Ibsrela.

Are There New Options for IBS-C in 2026?

While no new IBS-C medications have launched since Ibsrela, the treatment landscape continues to evolve:

• Generic linaclotide (generic Linzess) has become more widely available, offering a lower-cost alternative for IBS-C patients
• Generic lubiprostone (generic Amitiza) remains available as a budget-friendly option
• Trulance (plecanatide) continues to be an alternative GC-C agonist option
• Motegrity (prucalopride) is sometimes used off-label for IBS-C when constipation is the primary symptom

For a full comparison of your options, see our guide on alternatives to Ibsrela.

How to Find Ibsrela in Stock Right Now

If you need Ibsrela and your pharmacy doesn't have it, here are your best options:

1. Use Medfinder

Medfinder lets you search for Ibsrela availability at pharmacies near you in real time. It's the fastest way to find a pharmacy that has your medication in stock without making dozens of phone calls.

2. Try Independent or Specialty Pharmacies

Independent pharmacies and specialty GI pharmacies are often more willing to stock or quickly order Ibsrela. Our tips for finding Ibsrela can help you navigate this process.

3. Ask About Mail-Order Pharmacy

Your insurance plan may offer a mail-order pharmacy option that can ship Ibsrela directly to your door. This bypasses local pharmacy stock issues entirely.

4. Contact Ardelyx Patient Services

Ardelyx offers support services that may help connect you with a pharmacy that carries Ibsrela. They can also assist with copay card enrollment and insurance navigation.

Final Thoughts

While Ibsrela isn't formally in shortage in 2026, it remains a medication that many patients struggle to find at their local pharmacy. The combination of being a single-source brand-name drug with high costs and insurance hurdles creates real access challenges.

The good news? With tools like Medfinder, savings programs from Ardelyx, and viable alternatives to discuss with your doctor, you have options. Don't let pharmacy availability stand between you and relief from IBS-C symptoms.

Learn more about Ibsrela in our articles on what Ibsrela is, side effects to watch for, and how to find a doctor who prescribes Ibsrela.