Labetalol Shortage Update: What Patients Need to Know in 2026

Updated:

February 27, 2026

Author:

Peter Daggett

Summarize this blog with AI:

Is Labetalol still in shortage in 2026? Get the latest update on availability, pricing, and what you can do to find your blood pressure medication.

Labetalol in 2026: What's the Shortage Status?

If you take Labetalol for high blood pressure, you've probably been wondering: is there still a shortage? The short answer is that Labetalol availability in 2026 depends on where you live, which strength you need, and whether you're looking for the oral or injectable form.

In this post, we'll break down the current situation, explain why Labetalol has been hard to find, and give you practical steps to get your prescription filled.

Is Labetalol Still in Shortage?

Labetalol has faced intermittent supply disruptions over the past several years. The injectable form (Labetalol 5 mg/mL, used in hospitals for hypertensive emergencies) has been most affected, appearing on the FDA and ASHP drug shortage databases multiple times since 2019.

The oral tablet form (100 mg, 200 mg, and 300 mg) has been more consistently available, but individual pharmacies may still experience stockouts due to:

  • Allocation limits from wholesalers
  • Local demand exceeding supply at specific locations
  • Individual generic manufacturers pausing production

The situation is not a full national shortage for oral tablets in the way some other medications have experienced, but finding Labetalol can still be hit-or-miss depending on your pharmacy.

Why Has Labetalol Been Hard to Find?

Several factors have contributed to Labetalol supply problems:

Manufacturing Consolidation

Only a small number of generic manufacturers produce Labetalol tablets. When any one of these companies has a production issue — whether from FDA inspections, equipment maintenance, or raw material sourcing — the entire market feels it. This is a systemic problem with many older generic medications.

Raw Material Challenges

The active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) for Labetalol must meet strict quality standards. Disruptions at API suppliers, particularly those overseas, can delay production for weeks or months.

Demand Factors

Labetalol is prescribed more than a million times per year in the United States. It's a first-line treatment for pregnancy-induced hypertension, which means demand is consistent and critical. Hospitals also rely on the injectable form for hypertensive emergencies, putting additional pressure on supply.

For more background, read why Labetalol is so hard to find in 2026.

How Much Does Labetalol Cost in 2026?

As a generic medication, Labetalol is relatively affordable compared to many prescription drugs:

  • With insurance: Most plans cover Labetalol as a Tier 1 preferred generic. Copays are typically $0 to $15 for a 30-day supply.
  • Without insurance (cash price): The retail cash price ranges from $15 to $90 depending on the dose and pharmacy.
  • With a discount coupon: Using services like GoodRx, SingleCare, or RxSaver, you can often pay $10 to $30 for a 30-day supply.

If cost is a concern, check out our full guide on how to save money on Labetalol in 2026.

New Options and Developments

While there's no new branded version of Labetalol on the horizon (the original brands Trandate and Normodyne have been discontinued for years), the generic market continues to evolve:

  • Multiple generic manufacturers continue to produce Labetalol tablets, and additional manufacturers can enter the market since there are no patent barriers
  • Online pharmacies like Cost Plus Drugs and Amazon Pharmacy may offer competitive pricing and more consistent availability
  • Telehealth options make it easier to get a prescription or have your doctor switch your medication without an in-person visit — read more in our post on how to find a doctor who can prescribe Labetalol

How to Find Labetalol in Stock Right Now

If you need Labetalol today, here's what to do:

  1. Search Medfinder to find pharmacies near you with Labetalol in stock
  2. Call independent pharmacies — they often have more flexibility to source medications from multiple wholesalers
  3. Try a different strength — if your pharmacy is out of 200 mg tablets, 100 mg tablets might be available (your doctor would need to adjust your prescription)
  4. Ask about mail-order — your insurance may offer mail-order pharmacy with better access to medications in short supply
  5. Talk to your doctor — if you truly can't find Labetalol, they can help you transition to an alternative medication safely

For more detailed strategies, see our guide on how to find Labetalol in stock near you.

Final Thoughts

Labetalol supply in 2026 is imperfect but manageable. While intermittent shortages — especially of the injectable form — continue to affect some patients and hospitals, the oral tablets are generally findable with some effort. Use Medfinder to check availability, explore independent pharmacies, and keep your doctor in the loop about any difficulty filling your prescription.

Remember: never stop Labetalol abruptly. If you're running low and can't find it, contact your doctor right away for help.

Is there a Labetalol shortage right now in 2026?

Labetalol has experienced intermittent supply disruptions, especially the injectable form. Oral tablets are generally available but may be out of stock at individual pharmacies. Use Medfinder to check real-time availability near you.

How much does Labetalol cost without insurance in 2026?

The retail cash price for generic Labetalol tablets ranges from $15 to $90 for a 30-day supply. With a discount coupon from GoodRx or SingleCare, you can typically pay $10 to $30.

Will the Labetalol shortage end soon?

Supply disruptions for Labetalol tend to be intermittent rather than prolonged. As generic manufacturers resolve production issues, availability typically improves. Check the FDA drug shortage database and Medfinder for the latest status.

What should I do if my pharmacy can't get Labetalol?

Try using Medfinder to find another pharmacy with stock, call independent pharmacies, or ask about mail-order pharmacy through your insurance. If you still can't find it, talk to your doctor about switching to an alternative like Carvedilol or Metoprolol.

Why waste time calling, coordinating, and hunting?

You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.

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