Metformin/Sitagliptin in 2026: Is It Still Hard to Find?

If you've been struggling to fill your Metformin/Sitagliptin prescription — whether it's written as Janumet, Janumet XR, Zituvimet, or Zituvimet XR — you're probably wondering: is there an official shortage? What's going on with supply? And most importantly, what can you do about it?

Here's the latest information on Metformin/Sitagliptin availability as of early 2026, along with practical steps you can take to make sure you don't miss a dose.

Is Metformin/Sitagliptin Still in Shortage?

As of early 2026, there is no active FDA-reported shortage of Metformin/Sitagliptin (Janumet or Zituvimet). The FDA's drug shortage database does not list Sitagliptin/Metformin combination products as being in shortage.

However, that doesn't mean you won't run into problems at your pharmacy. There's an important difference between a national shortage and local availability issues. Even when the overall supply is stable, individual pharmacies can be out of stock due to:

• High local demand
• Ordering delays from wholesalers
• Formulary changes that shift demand patterns
• Cost-related stocking decisions by the pharmacy

So while the drug isn't officially "in shortage," you may still face real challenges finding it at your nearest pharmacy.

Why Is Metformin/Sitagliptin Hard to Find?

Several factors make Metformin/Sitagliptin harder to locate than some other diabetes medications:

Limited Generic Options

The authorized generics — Zituvimet and Zituvimet XR — are manufactured by Merck, the same company that makes Janumet. True generic competition from other manufacturers is still limited. This means fewer supply sources and higher wholesale costs for pharmacies.

High Cost Affects Pharmacy Stocking

Brand-name Janumet can cost $550 to $730 per month without insurance. The authorized generic Zituvimet, while cheaper, still runs around $109 to $190 per month with coupons. Pharmacies — especially smaller ones — may be cautious about stocking expensive medications that sit on shelves if demand is uncertain.

Insurance Step Therapy Requirements

Many insurance plans require patients to try Metformin alone before approving a combination like Janumet. This step therapy requirement means fewer patients are prescribed the combination upfront, which can lead pharmacies to stock less of it. When a patient does need it, it may not be immediately available.

Metformin Supply Chain History

In 2020, several extended-release Metformin products were recalled due to concerns about NDMA (a probable carcinogen) contamination. While this didn't directly affect Janumet, it disrupted the broader Metformin supply chain and created lasting caution among manufacturers and pharmacies.

How Much Does Metformin/Sitagliptin Cost in 2026?

Here's a breakdown of current pricing:

• Brand-name Janumet: $550–$730 per month (60 tablets) at retail price without insurance
• Authorized generic Zituvimet: $350–$475 at retail; approximately $109–$190 with a GoodRx or SingleCare coupon
• With insurance: Copays typically range from $30–$90, depending on your plan's formulary tier
• Merck Savings Card: Can reduce copays to as low as $5 for commercially insured patients
• Merck Helps program: Free medication for eligible uninsured patients

For a full breakdown of savings options, see our guide on how to save money on Metformin/Sitagliptin.

Are There New Options for 2026?

A few developments that may help patients in 2026:

• Authorized generics expanding: Zituvimet and Zituvimet XR are now more widely available on pharmacy shelves and through mail-order pharmacies
• True generics on the horizon: Generic sitagliptin/metformin products from other manufacturers may receive FDA approval, which would increase supply and potentially lower prices
• Telehealth prescribing: More doctors are available through telehealth to prescribe and manage Metformin/Sitagliptin, making it easier to get and adjust prescriptions
• Savings card extension: The Merck Savings Card has been renewed through May 2026

How to Find Metformin/Sitagliptin in Stock

If your pharmacy is currently out of stock, here's what to do:

1. Check Medfinder — search for pharmacies near you with real-time availability
2. Ask about all versions — Janumet, Janumet XR, Zituvimet, Zituvimet XR. If one is out, another may be in stock
3. Try independent pharmacies — they often use different wholesalers than chains and may have stock when CVS or Walgreens doesn't
4. Consider mail-order — your insurance may offer a mail-order pharmacy that ships a 90-day supply
5. Ask your doctor about separate pills — taking Metformin and Sitagliptin individually gives you more flexibility

For more detailed tips, read our guide on how to find Metformin/Sitagliptin in stock near you.

Final Thoughts

Metformin/Sitagliptin is not in an official FDA shortage in 2026, but local availability issues remain common due to limited generic competition, high costs, and insurance complexities. The landscape is slowly improving as authorized generics become more widespread and true generics edge closer to approval.

In the meantime, be proactive. Use Medfinder to check pharmacy stock, explore all available formulations, and talk to your doctor about backup plans. Managing type 2 diabetes is a daily effort, and you deserve reliable access to the medication that keeps your blood sugar in check.