Losartan Shortage Update: What Patients Need to Know in 2026

If you've been unable to fill your losartan prescription lately, you may be wondering: is there a nationwide shortage? The short answer is no — as of 2026, losartan tablets are not officially listed on the FDA Drug Shortage Database. But that doesn't mean every patient has an easy time getting their prescription filled.

In this update, we'll explain the current availability situation, why losartan can still be hard to find at individual pharmacies, and what you can do to protect your supply.

Current Status: Is Losartan in Shortage in 2026?

As of early 2026, losartan tablets (plain, without hydrochlorothiazide) are not listed as an active shortage on the FDA database or the ASHP (American Society of Health-System Pharmacists) shortage list. More than a dozen manufacturers produce FDA-approved generic losartan, including Teva, Torrent, Aurobindo, Mylan/Viatris, Alembic, and MacLeods.

However, the losartan/hydrochlorothiazide combination (generic Hyzaar) has had intermittent back-order situations at select pharmacies. Several manufacturers have discontinued their combination products, and as of late 2025, at least one manufacturer has had the combo on intermittent back order.

A History of Losartan Supply Disruptions

Understanding why losartan has had supply issues requires a brief look back:

• 2018–2019: The Great ARB Recall. The FDA announced multiple recalls of losartan tablets from several manufacturers after nitrosamine impurities — specifically NDEA and NMBA — were found in the API. These impurities are classified as probable human carcinogens. Sandoz, Torrent, Hetero Labs, Camber, Teva, Vivimed, and Macleods were among the companies involved.
• 2019–2023: Market consolidation. Several manufacturers exited the losartan market rather than reformulate to meet the new nitrosamine standards. This reduced the number of competing manufacturers, making the supply chain more vulnerable.
• February 2025: Targeted recall. The FDA issued a targeted recall of several losartan lots from one mid-tier manufacturer whose NMBA levels exceeded newly updated thresholds. Affected batches were voluntarily withdrawn.
• July 2025: Updated FDA guidance. The FDA reaffirmed strict acceptable intake limits for nitrosamines across all ARBs, emphasizing tighter quality controls and supply chain traceability.

Why Your Pharmacy Might Still Be Out of Stock

Even without a national shortage, individual pharmacies can run out for several reasons:

• A specific lot was recalled and the replacement hasn't arrived yet
• Their regular wholesale supplier switched manufacturers and the new supply is in transit
• An unusual spike in demand at that location cleared the shelves
• Your specific dose (e.g., 100 mg) is temporarily out even though 25 mg and 50 mg are available

Is the Losartan I'm Taking Safe?

If your losartan has not been recalled, it has been tested and cleared by the FDA. The nitrosamine testing requirements introduced since 2018 mean that currently marketed losartan products must meet strict safety standards before reaching pharmacy shelves.

If you want to confirm your lot number has not been recalled, you can check the FDA's ARB recall page at fda.gov/drugs. Your pharmacist can help you find the lot number on your prescription bottle.

What Patients Should Do Right Now

Even though there's no active national shortage, smart medication management habits can protect you from gaps:

• Refill early. Don't wait until the last day. Most insurance plans allow refills when you have 7-10 days remaining.
• Consider a 90-day supply. Filling 90 days at once reduces the number of times you need to worry about stock.
• Use medfinder if your pharmacy is out.

medfinder calls pharmacies near you to check which ones have your medication in stock, texting you the results.

• Talk to your doctor about an alternative if needed. Other ARBs like valsartan or irbesartan can serve as temporary or permanent substitutes depending on your condition.

For more options, see: Alternatives to Losartan If You Can't Fill Your Prescription.

Or read: How to Find Losartan in Stock Near You (Tools + Tips).