Mephyton Shortage Update: What Patients Need to Know in 2026

If you or a family member takes Mephyton (phytonadione) for vitamin K deficiency or warfarin management, you've probably noticed something: the brand-name medication is gone, and finding the generic at a local pharmacy isn't always straightforward.

This article gives you a clear, up-to-date picture of where things stand in 2026—what's available, what's discontinued, and what you can do to keep your prescription filled without gaps.

Current Status: Is Mephyton in Shortage in 2026?

Here is the key distinction:

Mephyton (brand name): Discontinued. The original brand-name Mephyton tablets are no longer manufactured or sold. The drug is listed in the FDA's Discontinued Drug Product List.

Generic phytonadione 5 mg tablets: Available. Multiple generic manufacturers continue to produce phytonadione 5 mg oral tablets. As of 2026, there is no active FDA-listed shortage for this formulation.

In December 2023, the FDA made an important ruling: Mephyton was not withdrawn from sale for reasons of safety or effectiveness. This means the FDA will continue approving generic ANDAs (abbreviated new drug applications) for phytonadione 5 mg tablets, keeping the door open for multiple manufacturers to supply the market.

Why Are Some Patients Still Having Trouble Finding It?

Even without a formal FDA shortage, phytonadione can be difficult to find at the pharmacy for several practical reasons:

Brand confusion: Pharmacy staff sometimes search for "Mephyton" and report it as unavailable when the generic (phytonadione) is actually in stock.

Low stocking priority: Phytonadione is a relatively low-volume medication. Many pharmacies only keep it in stock if they have regular demand—otherwise they may only order it as needed.

Supply chain variability: The raw materials for phytonadione have supply chain dependencies. While the tablet shortage is not formally listed by the FDA, localized disruptions can occur.

What Happened to the Mephyton Brand?

Mephyton was originally developed and sold by Merck. Ownership later transferred to Bausch Health Americas, Inc. The brand was eventually discontinued for business and commercial reasons—not because the drug is unsafe or ineffective.

When brand-name drugs are discontinued without safety concerns, generic manufacturers typically step in to fill the gap. That's exactly what happened here—multiple companies (Major, Zydus, Amneal, and others) now manufacture phytonadione 5 mg tablets.

What Can Patients Do Right Now?

If you're having trouble finding phytonadione, here are the most effective immediate steps:

Ask pharmacies specifically for "phytonadione 5 mg tablets"—not "Mephyton"

Use medfinder to have pharmacies near you called and checked for availability

Try independent and smaller pharmacies, which may stock niche medications that larger chains overlook

Ask your pharmacy if they can order it for next-day delivery

Contact your prescriber if you cannot locate tablets within 48 hours—especially if you're managing a critical coagulation condition

What About Price Changes Since the Brand Was Discontinued?

Generic phytonadione is generally less expensive than the original Mephyton brand. The retail cash price for a 30-tablet supply of generic phytonadione 5 mg is approximately $67-$80 at most major pharmacies. With discount coupons from GoodRx or SingleCare, the price can drop to $21-$27 for the same supply.

For patients with insurance, phytonadione is typically covered as a Tier 1 or Tier 2 medication, meaning low or no copay for most plans.

Looking Ahead

With multiple generic manufacturers in the market, the long-term supply picture for phytonadione looks stable. The challenges are localized and logistical—not a fundamental supply crisis. The key is knowing how to navigate the current system. Read our guide on how to save money on Mephyton in 2026 for tips on getting the best price once you find a pharmacy that has it.