Janumet Shortage Update: What Patients Need to Know in 2026

Janumet in 2026: Is There a Shortage?

If you take Janumet for type 2 diabetes, you may have heard rumors about shortages — or experienced difficulty filling your prescription firsthand. With so many medications facing supply issues in recent years, it's natural to wonder: is Janumet actually in shortage?

Here's what you need to know about Janumet availability in 2026, what's driving supply challenges, and what you can do to make sure you don't go without your medication.

Is Janumet Still in Shortage?

As of early 2026, Janumet is not listed on the FDA's official drug shortage database. That means there isn't a recognized nationwide shortage of the medication. However, that doesn't mean every pharmacy has it on the shelf.

Individual pharmacies may be out of stock due to local supply and demand factors. Some patients — especially those in rural areas or using smaller pharmacies — may still have trouble finding Janumet consistently. These are what's known as "spot shortages" — localized stock-outs that don't rise to the level of an FDA-tracked shortage.

Why Is Janumet Hard to Find?

Several factors contribute to intermittent availability issues:

Single Manufacturer

Janumet is made exclusively by Merck. With no generic version on the market yet, there's only one source for this medication. Any disruption in Merck's manufacturing or distribution can affect supply across the country. For more detail, see our article on why Janumet is so hard to find.

Patent Expiration on the Horizon

The key Sitagliptin patent expires on November 24, 2026. As this date approaches, there may be shifts in how Merck manages production and distribution. Pharmacy buyers may also adjust their ordering patterns in anticipation of generic competition.

Increased Diabetes Drug Demand

The diabetes medication market has been under enormous pressure. The explosive demand for GLP-1 agonists (like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro) has strained pharmaceutical supply chains overall. While Janumet is in a different drug class, the ripple effects on distributor capacity and pharmacy budgets can affect all diabetes medications.

Pharmacy Stocking Practices

Not all pharmacies stock Janumet regularly. Because it's a higher-cost brand-name drug, some pharmacies only order it when a patient has a specific prescription. This can create delays of one to three days while they wait for their distributor shipment.

What Does Janumet Cost in 2026?

The cost of Janumet remains significant:

• Cash price (without insurance): $600 to $750 for a 30-day supply (60 tablets)
• With commercial insurance: Copays typically range from $30 to $90 per month, depending on your plan and formulary tier
• With Merck savings card: Eligible privately insured patients can pay as little as $5 per prescription
• Medicare Part D: Covered by most plans as a Tier 3 (preferred brand) drug, but copays vary by plan

For a full breakdown of savings options, visit our guide on how to save money on Janumet.

New Options Coming in 2026

There's good news on the horizon. With the Sitagliptin patent expiring in late 2026, generic versions of both Januvia (Sitagliptin alone) and Janumet (Sitagliptin/Metformin) could enter the market. This would mean:

• Lower prices: Generic medications typically cost 80-85% less than their brand-name counterparts
• Better availability: Multiple manufacturers producing the same drug means more supply and fewer stock-outs
• Easier insurance coverage: Insurance plans generally place generics on lower tiers with smaller copays

Keep in mind that it may take several months after patent expiration for generics to actually reach pharmacy shelves, so the full impact may not be felt until 2027.

How to Find Janumet in Stock Right Now

If you need Janumet today, here are your best options:

Use Medfinder

Visit Medfinder to search for pharmacies near you that currently have Janumet in stock. It's the quickest way to find your medication without making a dozen phone calls.

Try Multiple Pharmacies

Stock levels vary between pharmacy chains and even between locations within the same chain. If your usual pharmacy is out, check nearby alternatives — including independent pharmacies that may have more flexible ordering. Read our full guide on how to find Janumet in stock near you.

Ask About Janumet XR

If your pharmacy is out of regular Janumet (taken twice daily), ask your doctor about switching to Janumet XR (taken once daily). Some pharmacies may have one version but not the other.

Explore Alternatives

If you can't find Janumet at all, talk to your doctor about similar medications like Jentadueto, Kombiglyze XR, or Kazano. Our guide to Janumet alternatives covers the options in detail.

Final Thoughts

While Janumet isn't in a formal shortage, real-world availability challenges persist for some patients. The combination of single-manufacturer supply, high costs, and shifting pharmacy stocking patterns means you may need to be proactive about filling your prescription.

The good news is that help is available — from tools like Medfinder to savings programs and upcoming generic options. Stay informed, plan ahead, and don't hesitate to reach out to your doctor or pharmacist if you're having trouble getting your medication.

For more about this medication, read our comprehensive overview: What is Janumet? Uses, dosage, and what you need to know.