Mesalamine XR Shortage Update: What Patients Need to Know in 2026

If you've been struggling to fill your Mesalamine XR prescription and wondering if there's an official shortage — there is. As of March 2026, the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) has confirmed an active back order on mesalamine extended-release 500 mg capsules from Sun Pharmaceutical Industries. Here's everything you need to know about the current situation and your options as a patient.

What Does the ASHP Shortage Listing Mean?

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) maintains one of the most comprehensive drug shortage trackers in the United States. As of an update on March 24, 2026, ASHP confirmed that Sun Pharmaceutical Industries' mesalamine extended-release 500 mg capsules — sold in 120-count bottles — are on back order with no estimated resupply date.

This is a meaningful shortage. Sun Pharma received FDA approval in 2022 for generic Mesalamine ER capsules (referencing Pentasa as the brand), and their products have become a significant portion of the mesalamine ER supply in the U.S. A back order from this manufacturer ripples through pharmacy inventories across the country.

Is Apriso (0.375 g) Also in Shortage?

As of early 2026, Apriso (mesalamine extended-release 0.375 g capsules, made by Salix Pharmaceuticals/Bausch Health) is not listed as an active FDA shortage. Manufacturing continues, and multiple generic manufacturers are producing the 0.375 g strength. However, patients still report localized difficulty finding Apriso at their pharmacies.

The disconnect between official listings and real-world pharmacy availability is a common problem with specialty medications. Even without a formal shortage, pharmacies with small patient populations for a given drug may simply not keep it consistently in stock.

What Is Causing the Mesalamine XR Back Order?

ASHP does not always disclose the specific reason for each shortage. For mesalamine ER, contributing factors may include:

Manufacturing complexity: Mesalamine ER capsules require precise polymer coatings to control drug release along the GI tract. Manufacturing delays at one facility affect supply for the entire market.

Limited supplier base: Amneal Pharmaceuticals noted in 2025 that mesalamine is a "difficult to make product with a limited number of suppliers." When one major supplier like Sun Pharma encounters a supply disruption, there are fewer backup options.

Raw material sourcing: Global supply chain disruptions continue to affect active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) sourcing for many drug manufacturers.

How Long Will the Mesalamine XR Shortage Last?

No estimated resupply date has been provided for Sun Pharma's mesalamine ER 500 mg capsules. This is a common limitation of shortage listings — manufacturers often cannot project resupply timelines until supply chain issues are fully resolved.

The good news is that other manufacturers continue to produce mesalamine ER capsules. The shortage is not a complete market withdrawal — it's a gap from one major supplier. Other generic manufacturers and brand-name Pentasa (produced by Shire, now Takeda) continue to supply some of the market.

What Should Patients Do During This Shortage?

Search medfinder: Use medfinder.com to find pharmacies near you that have Mesalamine XR in stock. medfinder calls pharmacies on your behalf so you don't have to.

Contact your doctor: If you're struggling to fill your prescription, let your doctor know. They may be able to adjust the strength, switch formulations, or send the prescription to a pharmacy with better supply.

Try independent pharmacies: Independent pharmacies often source from multiple wholesalers and may have access to stock that chain pharmacies lack.

Don't discontinue without medical guidance: Stopping mesalamine abruptly can trigger a UC flare. If you run out, contact your doctor before stopping treatment. They may provide a bridge prescription or samples.

What If I Need a Different Formulation During the Shortage?

Several other mesalamine formulations may be more available right now, including Lialda (delayed-release tablets), Delzicol (delayed-release capsules), and Apriso (0.375 g ER capsules). See our full guide: Alternatives to Mesalamine XR if you can't fill your prescription.

Stay Informed

Drug shortage listings are updated regularly. Check the ASHP Drug Shortages Database (ashp.org) and FDA Drug Shortages Database for the latest status on mesalamine ER capsules. Your pharmacist is also a good resource — they receive wholesale notifications about supply changes before patients do.