Marplan Shortage Update: What Patients Need to Know in 2026

Updated:

February 15, 2026

Author:

Peter Daggett

Summarize this blog with AI:

Is Marplan still in shortage in 2026? Get the latest update on Isocarboxazid availability, pricing, and what patients can do to find their medication.

Marplan in 2026: The Shortage Continues

If you take Marplan (Isocarboxazid) for depression, you've probably experienced the anxiety of wondering whether you'll be able to fill your next prescription. The Marplan shortage has been an ongoing issue, and in 2026, patients are still facing significant challenges getting this medication.

Here's everything you need to know about the current state of Marplan availability, why the shortage is happening, what it costs, and how to find it in stock.

Is Marplan Still in Shortage?

Yes. As of early 2026, Marplan remains intermittently available at most pharmacies. The drug has experienced recurring supply disruptions, and while Validus Pharmaceuticals (the sole manufacturer) has taken steps to address the problem — including coordinating with the FDA to temporarily import Marplan — availability is still inconsistent.

The shortage is not a simple "out of stock" situation that resolves quickly. It's a structural problem rooted in the economics and logistics of manufacturing a niche medication with limited demand.

Why Is Marplan Hard to Find?

Several factors contribute to the ongoing Marplan shortage:

  • Single manufacturer: Validus Pharmaceuticals is the only company that makes Marplan. There is no generic Isocarboxazid available in the US.
  • Low patient volume: MAOIs like Marplan are prescribed far less often than SSRIs or SNRIs, so there's less financial incentive for large-scale production.
  • Manufacturing complexity: Disruptions in raw material sourcing, quality control issues, or production delays at a single facility can halt the entire supply.
  • Pharmacy stocking practices: Most chain pharmacies don't carry Marplan regularly because demand is so low. Even when the drug is technically available from wholesalers, individual pharmacies may not order it.

For a deeper dive into why this happens, read Why is Marplan so hard to find?

How Much Does Marplan Cost in 2026?

Marplan is expensive, particularly because there's no generic option. Here's what patients can expect to pay:

  • Cash price (without insurance): Approximately $577-$700 for a 30-day supply of 60 tablets (10 mg)
  • With the Marplan Co-pay Card: Eligible commercially insured patients may pay as little as $20 per 30-day supply, with up to $100 in savings per fill
  • With insurance: Cost varies widely depending on your plan. Many insurers require prior authorization and may impose step therapy requirements (meaning you must try other antidepressants first)
  • Patient assistance: Prescription Hope offers Marplan for $70/month for qualifying patients

For a complete breakdown of savings options, read our guide on how to save money on Marplan.

Are There New Options for Patients?

While no new generic Isocarboxazid has entered the market, patients in 2026 do have a few newer resources:

  • Medfinder: Medfinder now tracks real-time availability of Marplan at pharmacies across the country, making it easier than ever to find which pharmacies have it in stock.
  • FDA importation: The FDA's coordination with Validus to import Marplan has helped stabilize supply somewhat, though gaps still occur.
  • Alternative MAOIs: If Marplan remains unavailable, your prescriber may consider Nardil (Phenelzine), Parnate (Tranylcypromine), or Emsam (Selegiline patch). Learn more in our alternatives guide.

How to Find Marplan in Stock

Here are the most effective strategies for locating Marplan right now:

  1. Check Medfinder: Visit medfinder.com and search for Marplan to see real-time pharmacy availability near you.
  2. Call independent pharmacies: They often have access to multiple wholesalers and may be able to source Marplan when chain pharmacies can't.
  3. Contact Validus directly: Call 1-866-982-5438 for help locating available supply.
  4. Ask about 90-day fills: When you do find Marplan, ask your pharmacist and insurer about getting a 90-day supply to reduce the frequency of the search.
  5. Plan ahead: Start looking for your refill at least 2 weeks before you run out. Don't wait until the last minute.

For more detailed tips, see How to find Marplan in stock near you.

Final Thoughts

The Marplan shortage in 2026 remains a serious concern for patients with treatment-resistant depression who depend on this medication. While the situation has improved slightly with FDA importation efforts and tools like Medfinder, the underlying issues — sole-source manufacturing, no generic competition, and low demand — haven't been fully resolved.

Stay proactive about your refills, use the tools available to you, and keep an open dialogue with your prescriber about backup plans. You can also stay informed by reading our articles on what Marplan is and Marplan side effects.

How long has Marplan been in shortage?

Marplan has experienced intermittent shortages for several years. The drug was temporarily unavailable in the past and was reintroduced by Validus Pharmaceuticals. The most recent critical shortage prompted FDA-coordinated importation. As of 2026, availability remains inconsistent.

Will there ever be a generic version of Marplan?

There is currently no FDA-approved generic Isocarboxazid in the United States, and no generic application is publicly known to be in the pipeline. The small market size for MAOIs makes generic development less commercially attractive for manufacturers.

Can I import Marplan from another country on my own?

Importing prescription medications from other countries for personal use is generally not legal in the US without FDA authorization. However, Validus Pharmaceuticals has worked with the FDA to officially import Marplan to address the domestic shortage. Do not attempt to order medication from unverified international sources.

What happens if I miss doses of Marplan due to the shortage?

Missing doses of Marplan can cause a return of depression symptoms and potentially withdrawal effects. If you anticipate running out, contact your prescriber immediately. They may be able to help locate supply, provide a bridge medication, or safely transition you to an alternative MAOI.

Why waste time calling, coordinating, and hunting?

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

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