Lacosamide in 2026: Is There Still a Shortage?

If you've been hearing about drug shortages in the news — or worse, experiencing one firsthand at your pharmacy — you're probably wondering: is Lacosamide actually in shortage?

The short answer: Lacosamide is not listed on the FDA or ASHP official drug shortage lists as of early 2026. But that doesn't mean every patient can walk into their pharmacy and find it on the shelf. Intermittent supply disruptions at the pharmacy level are still a reality for many people, and those disruptions can feel like a full-blown shortage when you're the one who can't get your medication.

Here's what's really going on and what you can do about it.

Is Lacosamide Still Hard to Find?

While there's no formal nationwide shortage, patients across the country continue to report difficulty filling their Lacosamide prescriptions at certain pharmacies. This is typically caused by:

• Individual generic manufacturer supply issues: Since generic Lacosamide became available in 2022, multiple companies produce it. If one manufacturer has a production delay, pharmacies that rely on that specific supplier may be temporarily out of stock.
• Regional distribution gaps: Supply chain logistics mean some areas of the country may have better access than others at any given time.
• Controlled substance regulations: As a Schedule V controlled substance, Lacosamide has additional ordering and inventory requirements that can slow restocking.

For a detailed look at all the factors, see our article on why Lacosamide is so hard to find.

Why Has Lacosamide Been Hard to Find?

The broader context matters. The U.S. pharmaceutical supply chain has been under strain for years. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in manufacturing and distribution, and those issues haven't fully resolved. For generic drugs like Lacosamide, the economics of manufacturing can be thin — generic companies operate on narrow margins, which means they're more likely to pause production if costs rise or demand shifts.

Add to that the fact that Lacosamide is relatively new to the generic market (first approved generics in 2022), and you have a drug where the supply ecosystem is still maturing. Over time, as more manufacturers enter the market and distribution stabilizes, availability should improve.

How Much Does Lacosamide Cost in 2026?

Cost is a major concern for many patients, especially those without insurance or with high-deductible plans. Here's what you can expect:

• Brand-name Vimpat: Approximately $1,000 to $1,100 per month (60 tablets) at retail cash price
• Generic Lacosamide (retail cash): $300 to $500 per month without any discounts
• Generic Lacosamide (with coupon): As low as $24 to $45 per month using discount cards from GoodRx, SingleCare, or similar services
• Vimpat Direct-to-Patient Program: $79.99 to $84.99 for 60 tablets of brand-name Vimpat through UCB's program

For a complete breakdown of ways to save, check out our guide to saving money on Lacosamide.

Are There New Options for Patients in 2026?

A few developments are worth knowing about:

• More generic manufacturers: The number of companies producing generic Lacosamide has grown since 2022, which should gradually improve supply and push prices lower.
• UCB Direct-to-Patient Program: UCB's program lets eligible patients buy brand-name Vimpat at a significant discount, bypassing pharmacy stock issues entirely.
• Discount card competition: Services like GoodRx, SingleCare, and RxSaver continue to negotiate lower prices for generic Lacosamide, with some coupons bringing the cost under $25 per month.
• Telehealth access: If you need a new prescription or dosage adjustment, telehealth neurology appointments are widely available, meaning you don't have to wait weeks for an in-person visit. See our guide on finding a doctor who can prescribe Lacosamide.

How to Find Lacosamide in Stock Right Now

If you need Lacosamide today, here's your action plan:

1. Search on Medfinder: Go to medfinder.com and search for Lacosamide near your zip code to find pharmacies with current stock.
2. Call independent pharmacies: They often have more flexible supply chains than big chains.
3. Ask about different strengths: If your pharmacy is out of 200 mg tablets, they might have 100 mg tablets — your doctor can adjust the prescription.
4. Consider mail-order: Your insurance plan's mail-order pharmacy may have more reliable supply.
5. Explore the Vimpat Direct-to-Patient Program: A solid backup at $79.99-$84.99 for 60 tablets.

For more detailed strategies, read our full guide on how to find Lacosamide in stock near you.

Final Thoughts

The Lacosamide situation in 2026 isn't a crisis, but it's not fully resolved either. There's no official shortage, yet pharmacy-level stock-outs continue to frustrate patients. The best thing you can do is stay ahead of your refills, use tools like Medfinder to check availability, and know your backup options — whether that's a different pharmacy, a discount program, or an alternative medication.

Stay informed, stay proactive, and don't wait until you're out of pills to start looking.