Ketamine Shortage Update: What Patients Need to Know in 2026

The Ketamine Shortage Isn't Over Yet

If you've been trying to fill a Ketamine prescription in 2026, you've probably noticed that it's not getting any easier. Ketamine injection has been on the ASHP (American Society of Health-System Pharmacists) drug shortage list, and the supply situation remains challenging heading into this year.

Whether you need Ketamine for a scheduled surgery, depression treatment, or chronic pain management, this update will give you the facts about what's happening with supply, what it costs, and what you can do.

Is Ketamine Still in Shortage?

Yes. As of early 2026, Ketamine injection continues to experience supply disruptions. Here's what we know:

• Eugia has reported Ketamine shortages due to increased demand. The company discontinued its 100 mg/mL 10 mL vials in 2025, removing a key product from the market.
• Hikma currently has Ketamine injection available, making it one of the more reliable suppliers right now.
• Fresenius Kabi has experienced intermittent supply issues.
• AuroMedics (which acquired Mylan Institutional's Ketamine product) has had variable availability.

The shortage is primarily affecting the injectable form of Ketamine. Compounded oral and sublingual formulations are generally easier to obtain through compounding pharmacies, though they have faced their own regulatory challenges.

Why Is Ketamine Hard to Find?

Several factors are keeping Ketamine in short supply:

Exploding Demand

The biggest driver is demand. Over the past five years, the number of Ketamine clinics across the United States has skyrocketed. IV infusion clinics, at-home telehealth programs, and compounding pharmacies serving the psychiatric market have dramatically increased consumption of Ketamine. What was once a niche anesthetic is now one of the most talked-about treatments for depression.

Limited Manufacturers

Only a handful of companies make injectable Ketamine. When one manufacturer has production issues or discontinues a product (as Eugia did with the 100 mg/mL vials), the remaining suppliers face enormous pressure to fill the gap.

Regulatory Scrutiny

The FDA has increased its scrutiny of compounded Ketamine products, particularly at-home formulations prescribed through telehealth. This has created uncertainty in the compounding pharmacy supply chain and has pushed more demand toward manufactured injectable vials.

DEA Controlled Substance Regulations

As a Schedule III controlled substance, Ketamine has strict distribution, storage, and record-keeping requirements that limit how quickly supply can be scaled up.

How Much Does Ketamine Cost in 2026?

The cost of Ketamine depends heavily on the formulation and how it's used:

• Generic injectable vial: $12–$50 per vial (5–20 mL) at a pharmacy
• IV infusion therapy session (clinic): $400–$800 per session, typically not covered by insurance
• IM injection session (clinic): $300–$600 per session
• Compounded oral lozenges/troches: $1–$5 per dose through compounding pharmacies
• At-home telehealth programs: $150–$400 per month (includes medication, monitoring, and consultations)
• Spravato (Esketamine) nasal spray: $800–$1,200 per session without insurance; most insurers cover it with prior authorization

For more ways to reduce your costs, read our detailed guide on how to save money on Ketamine in 2026.

New Options and Developments

While the shortage continues, there are some positive developments:

Extended Telehealth Prescribing

The DEA and HHS extended telemedicine flexibilities for prescribing controlled substances through December 2026. This means patients can continue to receive Ketamine prescriptions from telehealth providers without requiring an in-person visit first, maintaining access to compounded oral and sublingual formulations.

Spravato Expansion

Spravato (Esketamine) continues to expand its network of certified clinics. If you've been using off-label Ketamine infusions for depression, switching to Spravato could save you money since it's covered by most insurance plans. Janssen's savings program can reduce copays to as low as $10 per session.

Auvelity as an Oral Alternative

For patients who want NMDA-based antidepressant therapy without infusions or nasal sprays, Auvelity (Dextromethorphan/Bupropion) offers an oral option. It's FDA-approved for major depressive disorder and can be taken at home.

How to Find Ketamine in Stock

If your pharmacy tells you they're out of Ketamine, try these steps:

1. Search on Medfinder. Use Medfinder to check which pharmacies near you have Ketamine in stock right now.
2. Contact specialty and compounding pharmacies. These are more likely to carry Ketamine than large retail chains.
3. Ask about different concentrations. If the 100 mg/mL vials are unavailable, the 50 mg/mL or 10 mg/mL may be in stock.
4. Talk to your prescriber. They may know which pharmacies have reliable supply or can recommend alternative medications.

For more detailed tips, read our guide on how to find Ketamine in stock near you.

Final Thoughts

The Ketamine shortage in 2026 is frustrating, but it's manageable if you know where to look and what your options are. Supply is tightest for injectable vials, while compounded formulations and alternatives like Spravato remain more accessible. The extended telehealth prescribing rules also give patients more ways to access treatment.

Stay informed, work closely with your prescriber, and use tools like Medfinder to find what you need. The shortage won't last forever, but in the meantime, you deserve to know all the options available to you.