Paragard Shortage Update: What Patients Need to Know in 2026

If you've heard about a 'Paragard shortage' or struggled to find the copper IUD at your local clinic, you probably have a lot of questions. Is Paragard actually being discontinued? Is there a formal shortage? Is it a supply chain problem? Here's a clear-eyed look at the 2026 status of Paragard availability.

Is There an Official Paragard Shortage in 2026?

No — as of 2026, Paragard is not listed on the FDA's official Drug Shortage Database. CooperSurgical, the manufacturer, continues to produce and distribute Paragard nationally. There is no manufacturing discontinuation or recall in effect.

However, 'no official shortage' is not the same as 'easy to find.' Paragard exists in a distribution gray zone that creates real access problems for many patients:

Why Paragard Can Be Hard to Find Even Without a Shortage

It's a device, not a drug. Paragard must be stocked by individual clinics and providers — it's not dispensed from a central pharmacy network. When a clinic runs low, restocking can take days to weeks.

Provider hesitancy from ongoing litigation. As of 2026, over 3,900 lawsuits are pending against CooperSurgical and Teva Pharmaceuticals alleging that Paragard can fragment during removal. While the FDA has not recalled the product, this litigation has made some providers more cautious.

Increasing demand for hormone-free contraception. An estimated 40,000 people search for 'non-hormonal birth control' every month. As more patients seek alternatives to hormonal contraceptives, demand for Paragard has grown without a proportional increase in provider inventory.

Rural access gaps. Patients in rural or underserved areas have fewer providers to choose from. If the nearest OB-GYN doesn't stock Paragard, the next-closest option may be hours away.

What the Litigation Means for Paragard Access

The Paragard MDL (multidistrict litigation) — In Re: Paragard IUD Products Liability Litigation (MDL 2974) — involves lawsuits from women who experienced device fragmentation during removal, leading to injury and in some cases requiring surgery. As of early 2026:

Nearly 3,900 cases are active in federal court

The first bellwether trial resulted in a defense verdict for CooperSurgical

A second bellwether trial is scheduled for Fall 2026

The FDA has not issued a recall or required a black box warning to date

For patients currently using Paragard: the FDA and most gynecological organizations recommend patients continue using Paragard unless they experience symptoms. The risk of fragmentation during removal exists but is not a reason to have the device removed prematurely in most cases.

Is Paragard Being Discontinued?

No. As of 2026, CooperSurgical has not announced any plans to discontinue Paragard. The product remains FDA-approved, commercially available, and actively marketed. The introduction of Miudella (the new copper IUD approved February 2025) represents competition, not replacement.

What Should Patients Do If They Can't Find Paragard?

Use medfinder to search providers near you. medfinder calls pharmacies and clinics on your behalf to find who has Paragard in stock.

Ask about Miudella. If you need a hormone-free IUD and can't get Paragard, ask your provider if Miudella is available. It's copper-based and also hormone-free.

Check Planned Parenthood. PP clinics often have shorter wait times and consistently stock Paragard.

Use backup contraception while you wait. If you're between methods, use condoms to protect yourself while scheduling.

Start your search at medfinder.com, or read: How to Find Paragard in Stock Near You.