The Neupogen Shortage in 2026: What's Really Going On

If you rely on Neupogen to stay safe during chemotherapy, you've probably noticed that finding it has been a challenge. Neupogen — the brand name for Filgrastim — has been on and off the FDA's drug shortage list for years. And in 2026, supply issues continue to affect patients across the country.

This post gives you the latest information on the Neupogen shortage: what's causing it, whether it's getting better, what it costs now, and exactly what you can do to make sure you don't go without this critical medication.

Is Neupogen Still in Shortage?

As of early 2026, Filgrastim products — including brand Neupogen — continue to experience intermittent supply disruptions. The FDA's drug shortage database has listed various Filgrastim products periodically, and while the situation has improved compared to the worst periods, patients still report difficulty finding the medication at their preferred pharmacies.

The shortage doesn't affect all areas equally. Some regions have adequate supply while others face significant gaps. Specific strengths (like the 480 mcg prefilled syringe) may be harder to find than others. And whether your pharmacy is a retail chain, specialty pharmacy, or hospital outpatient pharmacy can make a big difference in what's available.

Why Is Neupogen Hard to Find?

Several factors have contributed to the ongoing Neupogen shortage:

Manufacturing Complexity

Neupogen is a biologic medication made from living cells. Manufacturing biologics is far more complex than producing traditional pills. Any issue in the production process — contamination, equipment failure, regulatory holds — can shut down a manufacturing line for weeks or months. Amgen, Neupogen's manufacturer, has dealt with periodic production disruptions.

Growing Demand

Cancer diagnoses continue to rise, and chemotherapy remains a cornerstone of treatment for many cancers. More patients receiving chemo means more demand for supportive care drugs like Neupogen. Meanwhile, the number of manufacturing facilities hasn't grown at the same pace.

Supply Chain Fragility

Neupogen requires cold-chain storage (refrigeration at 2–8°C) throughout the entire supply chain. Any break in the cold chain can render the medication unusable. This adds cost and complexity to distribution, and makes the supply chain more vulnerable to disruptions from weather events, logistics problems, or shipping delays.

Insurance and Distribution Channels

Many insurers route Neupogen through specialty pharmacy channels, which can limit where patients can fill their prescriptions. If the designated specialty pharmacy is backordered, patients may have few alternatives under their insurance plan.

For a deeper dive into these issues, read why Neupogen is so hard to find in 2026.

How Much Does Neupogen Cost in 2026?

Cost remains a significant barrier for many patients:

• Brand Neupogen: $300–$450 per prefilled syringe or vial at cash price. A full course of treatment (7–14 days of daily injections per chemotherapy cycle) can cost $3,000–$10,000+ without insurance.
• Filgrastim biosimilars (Zarxio, Nivestym, Releuko, Nypozi): Typically $200–$350 per injection — about 15–30% less than brand Neupogen.
• With insurance: Co-pays vary widely. Some plans cover Neupogen under the medical benefit (when administered in a clinical setting) with lower out-of-pocket costs. Others require specialty pharmacy dispensing with higher co-pays.

If cost is a concern, check out our comprehensive guide to saving money on Neupogen in 2026.

New Options and Developments

The Filgrastim landscape has expanded significantly since Neupogen first came to market:

• More biosimilars: With Zarxio (2015), Nivestym (2018), Releuko (2022), and Nypozi (2024) all on the market, patients and providers have more choices than ever. When one product is out of stock, another may be available.
• Long-acting alternatives: Neulasta (Pegfilgrastim) and its own biosimilars offer once-per-cycle dosing that can be more convenient and may have different availability patterns.
• In-office administration: More oncology practices are stocking G-CSF products for in-office injection, bypassing retail pharmacy shortages entirely.

How to Find Neupogen in Stock Right Now

Here's your action plan:

1. Search Medfinder — check real-time Neupogen and Filgrastim biosimilar availability at pharmacies near you
2. Ask about biosimilars — if brand Neupogen is out, Zarxio, Nivestym, Releuko, or Nypozi may be available
3. Call your oncologist — they may stock G-CSF products for in-office administration
4. Try specialty pharmacies — oncology-focused pharmacies have better G-CSF supply
5. Check daily — pharmacy stock changes frequently, so don't give up after one search

For detailed tips, read our full guide on how to find Neupogen in stock near you.

Final Thoughts

The Neupogen shortage is frustrating, but it's important to know that you have options. Biosimilars have diversified the supply, long-acting alternatives exist, and tools like Medfinder can help you find what you need faster.

The most important thing is to not skip your G-CSF therapy. If you're having trouble finding Neupogen, talk to your oncologist right away. They can help you find a solution — whether that's a different product, a different pharmacy, or in-office administration.

Stay informed, stay proactive, and take care of yourself. You're dealing with enough already.