MetroGel Shortage Update: What Patients Need to Know in 2026

Patients struggling to fill their MetroGel prescriptions are understandably confused. Some pharmacies say they're out of stock. Others carry a different strength or formulation than what was prescribed. And many patients have heard the word "shortage" — which raises a key question: Is MetroGel actually in a shortage in 2026?

Here's the most current and accurate picture of MetroGel availability as of 2026.

Is MetroGel in an Official FDA Shortage?

No. As of 2026, metronidazole topical gel (the generic form of MetroGel) is not listed on the FDA's Drug Shortage Database, and the brand-name MetroGel is also not listed on the ASHP (American Society of Health-System Pharmacists) shortage list. There is no formal, declared shortage of this medication.

However, a lack of an official shortage designation doesn't mean every pharmacy has MetroGel on its shelves — and that gap between "no shortage" and "not in stock" is at the heart of why patients are frustrated.

What's Causing Availability Issues If It's Not a Shortage?

Several factors contribute to the localized availability problems patients experience with MetroGel in 2026:

Brand-Name MetroGel Is Rarely Stocked

The brand-name MetroGel manufactured by Galderma has largely been displaced at most pharmacies by generic versions. Generic metronidazole topical gel is bioequivalent, significantly cheaper, and approved by the FDA. Most pharmacies — particularly large chains — simply stopped stocking the brand-name version because demand for it dropped to near zero after generic competition arrived.

If your prescription specifies brand-name MetroGel (with "Dispense as Written"), you may struggle to find it at most chain pharmacies. Independent pharmacies may be able to special-order it.

The 1% Strength Is Less Widely Available

Metronidazole topical gel comes in two concentrations: 0.75% and 1%. The 0.75% formulation (applied twice daily) has been on the market longer and is widely stocked at virtually every pharmacy. The 1% formulation (applied once daily) is a newer product preferred by many dermatologists for convenience — but it simply isn't carried by every pharmacy.

If you've been prescribed the 1% gel and your pharmacy only has the 0.75%, you may need to look elsewhere — or ask your prescriber if they can adjust your prescription.

Specialty Stocking Patterns

Even the generic 0.75% gel isn't uniformly stocked across all pharmacy locations. Pharmacies that don't see high volumes of dermatology prescriptions may not keep metronidazole gel in stock regularly. And when they do run out, restocking timelines can vary.

Historical Shortage Context: The Injection Form

It's worth noting that the injectable form of metronidazole (used in hospital settings) has experienced shortages in the past. Multiple manufacturers including Baxter, Pfizer, and Sagent have had periods of constrained supply for the IV formulation. However, this has no bearing on the topical gel used for rosacea — they are completely different products with entirely different supply chains.

What Patients Can Do Right Now

If you're struggling to fill your MetroGel prescription, here are your best options:

Use medfinder to find which pharmacies near you have the specific strength and formulation you need.

Ask your prescriber if you can be switched to the 0.75% strength (if you were prescribed the 1%) — it is more widely available.

Try an independent pharmacy that may be willing to special-order your medication.

Ask your dermatologist about FDA-approved alternative rosacea treatments such as azelaic acid gel (Finacea) or ivermectin cream (Soolantra) if MetroGel remains unavailable.

Will the Situation Improve?

Because there is no underlying supply chain crisis for metronidazole topical gel, this is more of a market-driven stocking issue than a shortage that will "resolve" at a specific point in time. Generic metronidazole gel has multiple manufacturers and is not at risk of disappearing from the market. The challenge for patients is finding the right formulation at a nearby pharmacy — which is a localized availability problem, not a national supply crisis.

For step-by-step guidance on locating your prescription, see our guide on how to find MetroGel in stock near you.