MetroCream Shortage Update: What Patients Need to Know in 2026

If you've been having trouble finding MetroCream (metronidazole topical cream 0.75%) at your pharmacy, you may be wondering whether there's an official shortage. Here's the latest update and what it means for your rosacea treatment.

Is MetroCream in an Official FDA Shortage in 2026?

As of 2026, the FDA has not declared a national shortage of metronidazole topical cream. The FDA's drug shortage database does not list MetroCream or its generic equivalent as being in an active shortage. This means manufacturers are producing the drug, and it is technically available in the U.S. supply chain.

However — and this is important — "no FDA shortage" does not mean every pharmacy near you has it in stock. Distribution gaps, low pharmacy inventory, and the preference for generics over the brand name can all create real-world availability challenges for individual patients.

Brand Name vs. Generic: The Real Availability Story

The brand-name MetroCream is manufactured in smaller quantities and is not a high-volume pharmacy item. Most large chain pharmacies stock generic metronidazole 0.75% topical cream, which is the bioequivalent of MetroCream, rather than the brand itself. If your prescription is written for MetroCream specifically (especially with "Dispense as Written"), you may find it harder to locate.

Generic metronidazole topical cream is manufactured by multiple companies and is widely available at CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, and other major pharmacies. If you're open to the generic, your availability problem is likely solved immediately.

Why MetroCream Can Still Be Hard to Find Even Without a Shortage

Pharmacy ordering patterns. Pharmacies order based on historical demand. If few patients have requested MetroCream brand at a given location, it won't be routinely stocked.

Insurance friction. Brand-name MetroCream may require prior authorization on many plans. If insurance won't cover it, patients face $618–$801 out-of-pocket for a 45g tube — often leading them to switch to generic or a different medication.

Distributor delays. Even in non-shortage conditions, regional distributor issues can temporarily leave specific pharmacies without stock.

What Steps Should Patients Take Right Now?

Ask about generic substitution. If your prescription allows it, generic metronidazole 0.75% cream works the same way and is widely available.

Use medfinder. medfinder contacts pharmacies near you to find which ones can fill your MetroCream prescription, then texts you the results — saving you the frustrating process of calling around yourself.

Talk to your prescriber about alternatives. If MetroCream isn't accessible and generic isn't an option, azelaic acid or ivermectin cream are effective FDA-approved rosacea treatments.

Consider mail-order. Mail-order pharmacies and online pharmacies often have better stock of specialty topicals and may deliver to your door within a few days.

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How Is Rosacea Treated While You Wait?

While you work to locate MetroCream, protect your skin with good rosacea hygiene: use a gentle cleanser, apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen daily (sun exposure is a major rosacea trigger), avoid known personal triggers (hot drinks, spicy foods, alcohol, extreme heat), and use a fragrance-free moisturizer. These steps won't replace medication but can reduce flare severity.

Where to Find the Latest MetroCream Availability Information

For the most up-to-date stock information at pharmacies near you, use medfinder or see our guide on how to find MetroCream in stock near you. For official FDA shortage updates, visit the FDA Drug Shortage Database at accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/drugshortages.