Pandel Shortage Update: What Patients Need to Know in 2026

If you've been trying to fill a Pandel (hydrocortisone probutate 0.1% cream) prescription and struggling to find it at your pharmacy, you're probably wondering whether there's an official shortage — or something else going on. Here's the full picture on Pandel availability in 2026.

Is There an Official Pandel Shortage in 2026?

As of 2026, Pandel (hydrocortisone probutate) is not listed on the FDA's official drug shortage database. The FDA shortage list tracks medications that are medically necessary and where supply is insufficient to meet national demand. Pandel's absence from this list means no formal national shortage has been declared.

However — and this matters a great deal — not being on the FDA shortage list does not mean it's easy to find. Patients across the country report difficulty locating Pandel at their local pharmacies. This is a structural availability issue rather than a declared emergency shortage.

Why Is Pandel Hard to Find If There's No Official Shortage?

Several structural factors limit Pandel's availability at local pharmacies:

No generic equivalent: There is no FDA-approved generic for hydrocortisone probutate cream. Every prescription must be filled with the brand-name product from ANI Pharmaceuticals.

Lower prescription volume: Pandel is not among the most frequently prescribed topical steroids. Lower demand means pharmacies stock it less routinely.

Narrow distribution: Brand-name specialty topicals often have more limited distribution channels than widely-generic drugs.

Insurance barriers: As a brand-only drug, Pandel often requires prior authorization, which can delay the entire filling process.

What Is the Current Availability Status?

Pandel is manufactured and distributed by ANI Pharmaceuticals in its standard 80-gram tube form. The product continues to be commercially available and is not discontinued. Pharmacies can order it through their wholesale distributors, though some smaller or less active pharmacies may not keep it in routine stock.

Larger chain pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid) and specialty dermatology pharmacies typically have better access. Mail-order pharmacies connected to insurance plans or PBMs (pharmacy benefit managers) also tend to have more consistent supply.

What Has Changed With Pandel Over Time?

Pandel was originally developed and distributed by PharmaDerm (a division of Fougera Pharmaceuticals). The brand was subsequently acquired by ANI Pharmaceuticals, which continues to manufacture and distribute it today. The transfer of ownership from a larger dermatology-focused company to a smaller specialty pharmaceutical manufacturer can sometimes affect distribution reach.

In 2017, the FDA approved an updated label for Pandel, including additional safety data on HPA axis suppression studies in adults. This labeling update was routine and did not signal any manufacturing or supply change.

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What Should Patients Do Right Now?

If you are having trouble filling a Pandel prescription in 2026:

Call your pharmacy and ask them to special-order Pandel (most can order within 1-2 business days).

Contact your dermatologist or prescriber — they may have specific pharmacy recommendations or can write for a closely related alternative (such as hydrocortisone butyrate/Locoid) while you wait.

Use medfinder to have pharmacies in your area searched for Pandel availability — results are texted to you.

Try a mail-order pharmacy for a 90-day supply, which tends to be more reliably stocked for brand-name drugs.

What If I Can't Wait and My Skin Condition Is Active?

If you can't wait and your eczema, contact dermatitis, or psoriasis is actively flaring, talk to your provider about a temporary bridge medication. Medium-potency topical corticosteroids like triamcinolone acetonide 0.1% or mometasone furoate 0.1% are widely available generics that work in a similar way. See our full guide to Pandel alternatives for more information.

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Bottom Line for Patients

Pandel is not officially in shortage in 2026, but its brand-only status and limited pharmacy stocking make it harder to find than widely-generic topical steroids. The product is still being manufactured and can be ordered by pharmacies. Your best path forward is to either have your pharmacy order it, search multiple pharmacies, or discuss a temporary alternative with your prescriber while you locate it.