The Lupron Shortage Isn't New — But It's Still Affecting Patients in 2026

If you've been prescribed Lupron Depot and had trouble getting your injection, you're not imagining things. Lupron (Leuprolide Acetate) has been one of the most persistently hard-to-find specialty medications in the United States, and the challenges haven't fully gone away in 2026.

This article breaks down the current state of the Lupron shortage — what's happening with supply, what it costs, what alternatives exist, and most importantly, what you can do about it.

Is Lupron Depot Still in Shortage?

Lupron Depot has faced recurring shortages since mid-2020. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) actively tracked a shortage of Leuprolide Acetate long-acting suspension for intramuscular injection from July 2020 through May 2022, with multiple updates during that period.

While the shortage was officially resolved on ASHP's database, that doesn't mean every patient can easily find their specific strength. In 2026, intermittent availability issues persist for certain formulations, particularly:

• Lupron Depot 22.5 mg (3-month, prostate cancer)
• Lupron Depot 3.75 mg and 11.25 mg (endometriosis/fibroids)
• Lupron Depot-PED formulations (central precocious puberty)

The problem isn't always a nationwide shortage — it's often a distribution and allocation issue where certain regions, practices, or pharmacies can't access stock even when it exists elsewhere.

Why Is Lupron Hard to Find?

Several factors contribute to Lupron's ongoing availability challenges:

• Single manufacturer: AbbVie is the sole maker of Lupron Depot. There's no generic depot formulation to pick up the slack.
• Complex manufacturing: Lupron Depot is a sophisticated extended-release injectable suspension — not a simple pill or standard injection. Production issues take time to resolve.
• Buy-and-bill model: Most Lupron is purchased directly by provider offices and administered on-site, rather than filled at retail pharmacies. This means supply depends on distributor allocations to individual practices.
• Broad demand: Lupron is prescribed by urologists, oncologists, gynecologists, pediatric endocrinologists, and fertility specialists — creating demand across many specialties simultaneously.

For a deeper dive, read why Lupron is so hard to find.

How Much Does Lupron Cost in 2026?

Lupron Depot remains one of the more expensive specialty medications on the market. Here are approximate cash prices (without insurance) in 2026:

• Lupron Depot 3.75 mg (1-month): ~$2,200–$2,400
• Lupron Depot 7.5 mg (1-month): ~$2,200
• Lupron Depot 11.25 mg (3-month): ~$3,500–$4,000
• Lupron Depot 22.5 mg (3-month): ~$4,500–$5,000
• Lupron Depot 30 mg (4-month): ~$4,800–$5,200
• Lupron Depot 45 mg (6-month): ~$5,500+

Most patients don't pay these full prices. Insurance, manufacturer savings programs, and patient assistance can dramatically reduce out-of-pocket costs. For detailed savings strategies, read our guide on how to save money on Lupron.

Are There New Options for Lupron Patients in 2026?

The GnRH agonist and antagonist landscape has evolved, giving patients and providers more choices:

• Orgovyx (Relugolix) — An oral GnRH antagonist for prostate cancer. No injection needed, faster testosterone recovery, and potentially lower cardiovascular risk. Increasingly covered by insurance.
• Myfembree (Relugolix/estradiol/norethindrone) — An oral combination therapy approved for both uterine fibroids and endometriosis. Provides GnRH antagonism with hormonal add-back to reduce bone loss and hot flashes.
• Eligard, Zoladex, and Trelstar — These established GnRH agonists continue to serve as alternatives when Lupron supply is limited.

Learn more in our full guide on alternatives to Lupron.

How to Find Lupron in Stock Right Now

If you need Lupron Depot and your usual provider doesn't have it, try these steps:

1. Search on Medfinder — Check real-time availability at pharmacies and provider offices near you.
2. Call specialty pharmacies — Hospital outpatient pharmacies and specialty pharmacies often have access to stock that smaller offices don't.
3. Ask your provider to check multiple distributors — Supply may be available through McKesson, Cardinal Health, or AmerisourceBergen even when one distributor is out.
4. Contact AbbVie — Providers can call 833-999-1779 to request samples. Patients can call 1-800-222-6885 for assistance.
5. Plan ahead — Order your next dose 2-4 weeks before your scheduled injection date.

For step-by-step advice, read our guide on how to find Lupron in stock near you.

Final Thoughts

The Lupron Depot shortage has been an ongoing challenge since 2020, and in 2026, patients are still navigating supply gaps. The situation is manageable, but it requires proactive planning, communication with your provider, and the right tools.

If you're struggling to find Lupron, Medfinder can help you locate it quickly. And if your specific formulation is unavailable, talk to your doctor about alternatives — there are more options now than ever before.

Stay informed. Your treatment doesn't have to be interrupted.