Naltrexone Shortage Update: What Patients Need to Know in 2026

The naltrexone shortage is real, and it's still happening. If you've been told your medication isn't available, or if you've been rationing your supply, this article explains what you need to know right now — and what you can do to protect your treatment.

Naltrexone Shortage Timeline: Where Are We Now?

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) first posted a drug shortage bulletin for naltrexone hydrochloride tablets on February 29, 2024. The shortage has remained active through 2025 and into 2026.

Here's where things stand as of 2026:

Some manufacturers still have supply: Accord Healthcare, Major Pharmaceuticals, Sun Pharma, and Chartwell have available stock. These are real options — the challenge is that not all pharmacies stock from all manufacturers.

Some manufacturers have discontinued permanently: Avet Pharmaceuticals and Tagi Pharma have discontinued their naltrexone products entirely, reducing the total number of suppliers in the market.

Some NDCs remain in limited availability: As of late 2025, at least one manufacturer (Sun) reported certain NDC codes in limited availability with additional supply anticipated in early 2026.

Vivitrol is NOT in shortage: The injectable extended-release form (Vivitrol) has not been affected.

How Did the Shortage Start?

The shortage has two main drivers: demand growth and supply constraints.

On the demand side, pandemic-era increases in alcohol use disorder led to more patients seeking treatment, and expanded telehealth access made prescribing easier — which is good for patients, but it amplified demand faster than manufacturers could respond.

On the supply side, naltrexone requires thebaine — a DEA-regulated opium-derived compound — as a precursor. Thebaine is shared with more profitable medications like oxycodone and buprenorphine, meaning drug makers face competition for the same limited raw material. Naltrexone's low retail price (roughly $32-$90 for a 30-day supply with coupons) gives manufacturers little financial incentive to prioritize it.

The result: a medication that is vital for recovery but fragile in its supply chain.

How Does the Shortage Affect Patients in Recovery?

The shortage is not just an inconvenience — it is a real threat to patient safety. Naltrexone is a key component of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for alcohol use disorder and opioid use disorder. Interruptions in treatment — even short ones — can increase the risk of relapse.

Particularly concerning: patients who stop naltrexone and then relapse to opioid use may face an elevated risk of overdose. After a period on naltrexone, opioid tolerance is reduced. If a patient returns to the same dose they used before starting naltrexone, they may experience fatal respiratory depression.

What Should You Do If You're Running Low?

Take these steps immediately:

Contact your prescriber now — before you run out. Let them know you're having trouble filling your prescription so they can help you plan ahead or switch formulations if necessary.

Call multiple pharmacies in your area — availability varies widely. Independent pharmacies and grocery chain pharmacies may have stock when major chains do not.

Use medfinder.com to locate pharmacies with naltrexone in stock. medfinder calls pharmacies near you and texts you the results.

Ask about Vivitrol — the monthly injectable form is currently available. Ask your prescriber if it's appropriate for you.

Request a 90-day supply when you do find stock. Some insurance plans allow extended supplies at lower cost.

Will the Shortage End in 2026?

Some positive signs are emerging. A few manufacturers have indicated that additional supply is expected in early 2026 for certain product forms. However, the underlying structural problems — regulated thebaine quotas, low profit margins, and manufacturer consolidation — have not been resolved. Patients should continue to be proactive about securing their supply.

The best protection against the shortage is planning ahead: request refills early, know which backup pharmacies in your area stock naltrexone, and have a conversation with your prescriber about Vivitrol or other options in case the situation worsens.

Find Naltrexone Near You

If you need help finding which pharmacies near you have naltrexone in stock today, medfinder.com can search for you. You provide your medication and location, medfinder calls pharmacies, and you receive a text with the results.

Also see: Why Is Naltrexone So Hard to Find? [Explained for 2026].