Paxlovid in 2026: Is There Still a Shortage?

If you've been prescribed Paxlovid 150 Mg /100 Mg Dose Pack and had trouble finding it at your pharmacy, you might be wondering: is Paxlovid in shortage? The short answer is no — Paxlovid is not on the FDA's official drug shortage list as of early 2026. But that doesn't mean it's always easy to find, especially the renal dose pack.

In this article, we'll break down the current availability picture, explain why you might still have trouble getting your prescription filled, and share what you can do about it.

Is Paxlovid Still in Shortage?

Paxlovid is not currently listed on the FDA or ASHP drug shortage databases. Pfizer has maintained a steady commercial supply since the drug received full FDA approval in May 2023 and completed the transition from government-distributed EUA stock in early 2024.

However, "not in shortage" doesn't mean "always on the shelf." During COVID-19 surges — particularly in fall and winter — pharmacies can run through their Paxlovid inventory quickly. The 150 Mg /100 Mg Dose Pack (the renal dose) is especially vulnerable because pharmacies stock far fewer units of it compared to the standard dose pack.

Why Is It Still Hard to Find?

Several factors can make Paxlovid 150 Mg /100 Mg Dose Pack difficult to locate:

Seasonal Demand Surges

COVID-19 continues to circulate seasonally. During winter waves, prescriptions for Paxlovid increase dramatically. Pharmacies that normally keep one or two renal dose packs on hand may sell out within hours.

Limited Pharmacy Stocking

The 150 Mg /100 Mg Dose Pack serves a smaller patient population — those with moderate kidney impairment. Because demand is lower year-round, pharmacies keep minimal inventory. This creates a bottleneck when multiple patients need the renal dose at the same time.

High Cost Limits Pharmacy Inventory

At $1,400 to $1,800 per 5-day course, Paxlovid is an expensive medication for pharmacies to keep on the shelf. Some smaller pharmacies limit how many dose packs they stock to manage their inventory costs, particularly for the less-requested renal formulation.

How Much Does Paxlovid Cost in 2026?

The cash price for a 5-day course of Paxlovid remains in the $1,400 to $1,800 range without insurance. Here's what you can expect depending on your coverage:

• Commercial insurance: Most plans cover Paxlovid. Copays vary but may range from $0 to $75 depending on your plan. The PAXCESS Co-Pay Savings Card can reduce costs by up to $1,000 annually.
• Medicare Part D: Covered under most plans, with the 2025/2026 annual out-of-pocket cap of $2,000 providing a safety net.
• Uninsured or underinsured: The U.S. Government Patient Assistance Program (USG PAP), operated by Pfizer, may provide Paxlovid at no cost if you meet income eligibility requirements (below $46,950 for individuals or $63,450 for couples).

For detailed information on saving money, read our guide to Paxlovid coupons, discounts, and patient assistance.

Are There New Options for COVID-19 Treatment?

The COVID-19 treatment landscape continues to evolve. As of 2026, the main options for high-risk patients remain:

• Paxlovid (Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir): First-line oral antiviral
• Remdesivir (Veklury): First-line IV antiviral (3-day outpatient course)
• Molnupiravir (Lagevrio): Second-line oral antiviral

Researchers continue to develop new antivirals and treatments, but for now these three remain the primary options. If your doctor has prescribed Paxlovid, it's because it is the most effective oral treatment currently available.

Learn more about your options in our guide to Paxlovid alternatives.

How to Find Paxlovid 150 Mg /100 Mg Dose Pack in Stock

If your pharmacy is out of stock, here are the best steps to take:

1. Search on Medfinder: Check real-time pharmacy availability near you.
2. Try independent pharmacies: They often have different inventory and can order from wholesalers quickly.
3. Contact Pfizer's PAXCESS program: They can help locate pharmacies with stock and assist with financial coverage.
4. Ask your doctor to transfer the prescription: If you find a pharmacy with stock through Medfinder, have your prescriber send the script there.
5. Consider telehealth: If you need a new prescription fast, telehealth providers can evaluate you and prescribe Paxlovid, sometimes within hours.

For a detailed walkthrough, see our complete guide to finding Paxlovid in stock.

Final Thoughts

Paxlovid 150 Mg /100 Mg Dose Pack is not in a formal shortage in 2026, but real-world availability can be spotty — especially during COVID surges and for the renal dose formulation. The high cost and limited pharmacy stocking make it harder to find than many other medications.

If you've been prescribed Paxlovid, act fast. Use Medfinder to locate it, explore financial assistance through the PAXCESS program, and talk to your doctor about alternatives if you truly can't find it. Time is critical — starting treatment early gives you the best chance of avoiding severe illness.