Omeprazole/Sodium Bicarbonate Shortage Update: What Patients Need to Know in 2026

If you've been struggling to fill your omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate prescription in 2026, you're not alone — and there is a reason for it. This article gives you the current status of omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate availability, what's causing the difficulty, and what actions you can take today.

Is Omeprazole/Sodium Bicarbonate in an Official Shortage in 2026?

As of 2026, oral omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate (Zegerid capsules and powder for oral suspension) is NOT listed on the FDA's current drug shortage database. Multiple generic manufacturers — including Zydus, Dr. Reddy's, and Cipla — continue to produce generic omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate capsules, and Konvomep oral suspension remains commercially available.

However, "not in an official shortage" does not mean easy to find at any pharmacy. Many patients report calling multiple pharmacies before locating it — a frustrating experience that can delay critical acid suppression therapy.

What About Injectable Sodium Bicarbonate Shortages?

It's important to distinguish between two different products: oral omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate (Zegerid) and injectable sodium bicarbonate. Injectable sodium bicarbonate has experienced prolonged, recurring shortages dating back to at least 2017, with ongoing updates from ASHP and the FDA through 2025 and 2026.

These injectable shortages do not directly affect the oral Zegerid capsules or suspension most outpatients take. However, for compounding pharmacies that prepare extemporaneous omeprazole suspensions using injectable sodium bicarbonate, shortages of the injectable form have historically caused ripple effects — and required alternative compounding approaches.

Why Do Patients Have Trouble Finding It If There's No Shortage?

Several structural factors make omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate harder to find than most medications even without an active shortage:

• Low stocking priority. Pharmacies stock based on prescription volume. Since most acid reflux patients use plain omeprazole or another PPI, omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate gets lower stocking priority.
• High brand-name cost. Brand Zegerid costs over $1,200 retail for 30 capsules in many pharmacies, which discourages stocking. Fewer pharmacy chains want to tie up cash in expensive, slow-moving inventory.
• Insurance coverage barriers. Most Medicare and private insurance plans do not cover brand Zegerid. Step therapy requirements (proving you tried and failed standard omeprazole first) can also delay getting the generic covered.
• Geographic variation. Availability varies significantly by region. Urban areas with larger chain pharmacies and hospital outpatient pharmacies tend to have better supply than rural areas.

Availability by Formulation in 2026

Here is the current availability picture for each formulation:

• Generic 20 mg and 40 mg capsules: Generally available from multiple manufacturers; may require special ordering at some pharmacies
• Brand Zegerid capsules: Available but expensive; not routinely stocked at many retail pharmacies
• Powder for oral suspension (Zegerid packets): Less commonly stocked; hospital outpatient pharmacies most reliable source
• Konvomep oral suspension: Available through specialty pharmacies; not a routine retail pharmacy stock item
• Zegerid OTC (20 mg / 1100 mg capsules, OTC): Most widely available; found at major retailers; as low as $5.64 with GoodRx

What Patients Can Do Right Now

If you need omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate and are having trouble finding it:

1. Use medfinder. medfinder calls local pharmacies on your behalf and texts you results showing which ones have your medication in stock. It covers all formulations and name variants of omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate.
2. Ask for a special order. If your pharmacy doesn't have it in stock, most can order it within 1-2 business days.
3. Apply a discount coupon. Generic omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate can be as low as $28.63 for 30 capsules with a GoodRx coupon — a massive savings from the $967+ retail price.
4. Ask your doctor about alternatives. If immediate treatment is needed, consider alternative PPIs such as pantoprazole or lansoprazole, which are widely available and inexpensive.

Bottom Line

Omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate is not in a formal shortage as of 2026, but real-world availability can be inconsistent depending on your pharmacy and location. Generic versions are your best bet for both cost and availability. Use medfinder to quickly locate a pharmacy near you that has your prescription ready to fill.