NovoEight Shortage Update: What Patients Need to Know in 2026

If you rely on NovoEight (turoctocog alfa) for hemophilia A management, one of the most important things you can do is stay informed about supply availability. Factor VIII shortages — even localized or temporary ones — can have serious health consequences for people with bleeding disorders.

Here is the current picture for NovoEight in 2026 and what it means for you as a patient.

Is NovoEight Currently in Shortage?

As of 2026, NovoEight does not appear on the FDA's drug shortage list. The FDA maintains a public database of active drug shortages, and NovoEight (turoctocog alfa) is not currently listed as a shortage product.

NovoEight is manufactured by Novo Nordisk, a large, well-resourced pharmaceutical company with a dedicated rare blood disorders division. The company's focus on hemophilia products and controlled specialty pharmacy distribution generally provides a more stable supply than the common off-patent injectables that most often face shortages.

Why Does Access Feel Like a Shortage Even When It Isn't?

Despite no national shortage, many NovoEight patients report difficulties accessing their medication. Here's why:

Insurance prior authorization: Most commercial and government insurance plans require prior authorization for NovoEight, which must be renewed periodically. Approval delays can interrupt supply.

Specialty pharmacy inventory: Specific vial strengths (e.g., 1,500 IU or 3,000 IU) may be temporarily out of stock at a given specialty pharmacy location.

Coverage changes: When patients switch insurance plans — especially at the start of a calendar year — they may face new specialty pharmacy requirements or need new authorizations.

Plan year resets: At the start of a new benefit year, many patients must re-establish prior authorization for ongoing specialty medications.

What Is the Broader Landscape for Factor VIII Products in 2026?

The hemophilia A treatment market is more competitive and diverse than ever in 2026. New options including extended half-life products (Altuviiio, Esperoct, Jivi) and non-factor therapies (Hemlibra, Hympavzi) have expanded the market significantly. This competition can affect formulary decisions by insurance companies — meaning some plans may prefer to cover a specific factor product over others.

If your insurance plan has changed its formulary and moved NovoEight to a higher tier or removed it entirely, you may face a cost increase or a requirement to switch. This is a coverage change, not a drug shortage, but the impact on your ability to fill the prescription may feel the same.

What Should You Do If You Can't Get Your NovoEight?

Call NovoCare (1-844-668-6732): Novo Nordisk's support team can verify supply, submit insurance appeals, and enroll you in bridging programs if your coverage has lapsed.

Contact your Hemophilia Treatment Center: Your HTC has the expertise and connections to troubleshoot access issues quickly, including emergency supply.

Try an alternate specialty pharmacy: If your primary specialty pharmacy is backlogged, ask your prescriber if another in-network option is available.

Ask about NovoSecure PAP: If you're uninsured or have a gap in coverage, the Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program may provide medication at no cost while your insurance situation is resolved.

How to Stay Ahead of Future Access Problems

The best protection against access disruptions is proactive management:

Keep at least a 7-10 day supply buffer and reorder before you run low

Review your insurance formulary every November during open enrollment season

Keep your HTC informed about any insurance plan changes immediately

Save NovoCare's number in your phone: 1-844-668-6732

If you're having trouble locating NovoEight at a specific pharmacy, medfinder can check pharmacies near you to find which ones can fill your prescription — without you having to make the calls yourself.

If your doctor has discussed switching therapies, see our guide: Alternatives to NovoEight If You Can't Fill Your Prescription.