The Novarel Shortage in 2026: Where Things Stand

If you rely on Novarel for fertility treatment or another medical condition, you've probably noticed that finding it has been an ongoing challenge. The shortage of hCG products — including Novarel — has been one of the most persistent medication shortages in recent years.

In this update, we'll cover the current state of the Novarel shortage in 2026, explain why it's still happening, tell you what it costs, and share practical steps to get the medication you need.

Is Novarel Still in Shortage?

Yes — hCG products including Novarel continue to experience availability challenges in 2026. The ASHP (American Society of Health-System Pharmacists) has listed chorionic gonadotropin for injection on its drug shortage database, and while supply has improved compared to the worst periods, it remains inconsistent.

Availability varies significantly by region and pharmacy type. Some specialty pharmacies may have consistent stock, while chain pharmacies in certain areas may be unable to order it at all. The situation can change week to week.

Why Is Novarel Still Hard to Find?

The shortage traces back to several factors that have compounded over the years:

The 2020 Biologic Reclassification

The single biggest factor in the hCG shortage was the FDA's decision in March 2020 to reclassify hCG as a biologic product. This meant compounding pharmacies could no longer produce hCG unless they obtained special waivers. Overnight, a significant portion of the hCG supply chain disappeared.

Limited Manufacturers

Only a few companies make FDA-approved hCG. Novarel comes exclusively from Ferring Pharmaceuticals. Other options include Pregnyl (Organon), Ovidrel (EMD Serono), and generic hCG (Fresenius Kabi). When any one manufacturer has supply issues, the ripple effects are felt across the entire market.

Rising Demand

Fertility treatment utilization continues to grow. The CDC reports increasing numbers of IVF cycles performed each year in the United States. More patients need hCG trigger shots, which means more demand for an already constrained supply.

Complex Manufacturing

Novarel and Pregnyl are derived from human pregnancy urine, which is a biological source material with inherent supply variability. Manufacturing is complex and subject to strict quality controls, making it difficult to quickly ramp up production.

How Much Does Novarel Cost in 2026?

Novarel pricing varies based on the strength, pharmacy, and whether you have insurance coverage:

• Novarel 10,000 USP Units: Approximately $200–$500 per vial at retail pharmacies
• Novarel 5,000 USP Units: Approximately $150–$350 per vial
• With discount cards (GoodRx, SingleCare): As low as $285 for a 10,000 IU vial
• Generic hCG: $150–$300 per 10,000 IU vial with discount cards

Insurance coverage for Novarel depends on your plan and the indication. Fertility medications are only covered in states with fertility insurance mandates, and even then, prior authorization is usually required. For non-fertility uses like hypogonadism, coverage may fall under the medical benefit.

For detailed savings strategies, read our guide on how to save money on Novarel in 2026.

Are There New Options for Patients?

While no new hCG products have launched recently, patients do have more resources available than before:

• Real-time pharmacy finders like Medfinder make it much easier to locate Novarel in stock.
• Specialty fertility pharmacies have expanded their operations to better serve patients facing shortages.
• Ferring's patient support programs including HeartTomorrow and OneHeart can help reduce costs for eligible patients.
• Generic hCG availability has gradually improved, providing a lower-cost alternative.

How to Find Novarel in Stock Right Now

Here's your step-by-step plan:

1. Search Medfinder to find pharmacies near you with Novarel in stock.
2. Contact specialty pharmacies — especially those recommended by your fertility clinic.
3. Ask your doctor about alternatives like Pregnyl, Ovidrel, or generic hCG if Novarel isn't available.
4. Plan ahead — if you know your treatment cycle timeline, order early.
5. Check multiple times — stock levels change frequently, so check back if it's not available today.

For more detailed strategies, see our full guide on how to find Novarel in stock near you.

Final Thoughts

The Novarel shortage has been ongoing since 2020, and while progress has been made, patients are still dealing with inconsistent availability in 2026. The situation is caused by a combination of regulatory changes, limited manufacturers, and growing demand.

The most important thing you can do is stay informed and act early. Use tools like Medfinder to check availability, work closely with your doctor and fertility clinic, and know your alternatives.

You can also learn more about the side effects of Novarel and how to find a doctor who prescribes it in our other guides.