Methylprednisolone in 2026: Is It Still Hard to Get?

If you've been prescribed Methylprednisolone recently and had trouble filling it, you're dealing with a problem that's been building for years. Injectable Methylprednisolone products have been on and off the FDA's drug shortage list since 2019, and the ripple effects continue to impact patients who rely on this medication.

In this update, we'll break down what's happening with Methylprednisolone supply in 2026, what it costs, what alternatives are available, and how to find it when your pharmacy is out of stock.

Is Methylprednisolone Still in Shortage?

The short answer: it depends on the formulation.

Injectable Forms

Solu-Medrol (methylprednisolone sodium succinate for IV/IM use) and Depo-Medrol (methylprednisolone acetate for joint and muscle injections) have experienced the most significant and persistent shortages. These injectable formulations are used primarily in hospitals, clinics, and infusion centers.

Manufacturing challenges at key production facilities, combined with limited numbers of producers, have kept these products in tight supply. Some vial sizes and concentrations may be available while others are not — creating a patchwork of availability across the country.

Oral Tablets

The good news is that oral Methylprednisolone tablets, including the popular Medrol Dosepak, have been less severely affected. However, when injectable shortages push providers to prescribe oral alternatives instead, demand for tablets can spike at the local pharmacy level. This means you might occasionally find your pharmacy temporarily out of stock even though there isn't a national shortage of the oral form.

Why Is Methylprednisolone Hard to Find?

Several factors converge to make Methylprednisolone availability unpredictable:

• Thin manufacturing margins: As a decades-old generic, Methylprednisolone doesn't command high prices. Manufacturers may not invest in expanding production capacity or maintaining backup facilities when profit margins are slim.
• Limited producers: Only a handful of companies manufacture injectable Methylprednisolone. When even one has a production issue, the entire supply chain feels it.
• Seasonal demand surges: Respiratory illness seasons drive up prescriptions for corticosteroids. Allergy seasons create additional demand.
• Distributor allocation: When supply is tight, distributors limit how much each pharmacy can order — meaning even pharmacies that want to stock up can't.

Read our detailed explainer on why Methylprednisolone is so hard to find.

What Does Methylprednisolone Cost in 2026?

Despite supply issues, Methylprednisolone remains one of the more affordable prescription medications when you can find it:

• Generic Medrol Dosepak (21 tablets, 4 mg): $12–$30 cash price at most pharmacies
• With discount coupons (GoodRx, SingleCare): As low as $5–$15
• Individual Methylprednisolone tablets (e.g., 30 tablets of 4 mg): $10–$30
• With insurance: Typically $0–$15 copay (Tier 1 generic on most plans)

Prices can vary by pharmacy and location. During periods of tight supply, some pharmacies may charge at the higher end of these ranges. See our complete guide to saving money on Methylprednisolone.

New Options and Developments

While there's no brand-new Methylprednisolone product on the market, several developments may improve the situation for patients in 2026:

• Additional generic manufacturers: The FDA has been working to streamline approvals for generic injectable products to increase competition and supply.
• Alternative corticosteroid availability: Prednisone and Dexamethasone remain widely available and can substitute for Methylprednisolone in many clinical scenarios.
• Telehealth access: It's now easier than ever to get a prescription adjustment through telehealth if you need to switch formulations or medications due to a shortage. Find a prescriber near you.

How to Find Methylprednisolone in Stock

If your pharmacy is out, here's your action plan:

1. Search on Medfinder: Medfinder lets you check real-time Methylprednisolone availability at pharmacies near you.
2. Try independent pharmacies: They often use different distributors and may have stock when chains don't.
3. Ask about different formulations: If the Dosepak isn't available, individual tablets might be. Ask your pharmacist.
4. Call early in the week: Pharmacy deliveries typically arrive Monday through Wednesday.
5. Talk to your doctor: If you can't find Methylprednisolone at all, alternatives like Prednisone are almost always available.

Read our full guide to finding Methylprednisolone in stock.

Final Thoughts

Methylprednisolone shortages have been an ongoing reality since 2019, and while the situation has improved for oral formulations, injectable supply remains inconsistent heading into 2026. The oral tablets and Medrol Dosepak are generally findable with some effort — but you may need to look beyond your usual pharmacy.

The best strategy is to stay proactive: refill early, use Medfinder to check availability, and keep an open line with your doctor about alternatives if needed. You shouldn't have to suffer through a flare-up because of a supply chain issue — and with the right tools, you don't have to.