The Leuprolide (Lupron Depot) shortage continues into 2026. Here's what patients need to know about availability, cost, and what to do if you can't find it.
If you rely on Leuprolide — whether for prostate cancer, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, or central precocious puberty — you've likely experienced the frustration of being told your medication is out of stock. The Leuprolide shortage has been one of the longest-running drug shortages in the US, and unfortunately, it's still not fully resolved as we enter 2026.
Here's what's happening, what it means for you, and how to navigate it.
Yes. As of early 2026, Leuprolide (primarily the Lupron Depot brand manufactured by AbbVie) continues to experience intermittent supply disruptions. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) has tracked this shortage since 2020, and while there have been periods of improved availability, the supply has never fully normalized.
The formulations most frequently affected include:
Other Leuprolide products — including Eligard (subcutaneous), Fensolvi, and Camcevi — are manufactured by different companies and may have more stable supply, though availability varies by region.
The shortage persists for several interconnected reasons:
Lupron Depot uses a specialized microsphere technology that releases the drug slowly over weeks or months. This depot formulation is significantly more complex to manufacture than a standard injection. Very few facilities worldwide can produce it, meaning any production disruption has an outsized impact on supply.
While generic leuprolide acetate exists as a daily injection (5mg/mL), there is no FDA-approved generic version of the depot (long-acting) formulation. This means AbbVie is essentially the sole source for Lupron Depot, with no backup manufacturer to absorb demand during shortages.
Leuprolide's uses have expanded over the years. Beyond its original prostate cancer indication, it's now routinely used for endometriosis, fibroids, gender-affirming care, and fertility treatments. More patients relying on a single-source medication strains an already tight supply.
The global pharmaceutical supply chain remains vulnerable to disruptions in raw materials, shipping logistics, and manufacturing capacity. Specialty injectable medications like Leuprolide are particularly sensitive to these disruptions.
The cost of Leuprolide varies dramatically depending on the formulation, whether you have insurance, and which pharmacy you use:
Most patients don't pay the full cash price. Lupron Depot is typically covered under your medical benefit (not pharmacy benefit) since it's administered in a doctor's office. Medicare Part B covers it with the standard 20% coinsurance. AbbVie offers a copay savings card that can reduce out-of-pocket costs to as little as $10 per injection for commercially insured patients.
For detailed savings strategies, see our guide on how to save money on Leuprolide.
While no new generic Lupron Depot has launched, there are a few developments worth knowing about:
For a complete rundown of alternatives, see our guide to Leuprolide alternatives.
If you need Leuprolide now, here are your best strategies:
For step-by-step guidance, read our detailed guide on how to find Leuprolide in stock near you.
The Leuprolide shortage is genuinely frustrating, especially when you're dealing with a serious medical condition that requires consistent treatment. But you have more options than you might think — from alternative formulations to different pharmacies to entirely different medications that can achieve the same therapeutic goal.
The key is to be proactive: start looking early, use tools like Medfinder, and work closely with your healthcare provider. If cost is also a concern, savings programs and patient assistance can make a significant difference.
We'll continue to update this page as the supply situation evolves. Stay informed, stay persistent, and don't hesitate to advocate for yourself.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
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