Permethrin Shortage Update: What Patients Need to Know in 2026

If you've recently been prescribed permethrin cream for scabies or reached for permethrin lotion at the pharmacy only to find empty shelves, you're probably wondering: is there an actual shortage? Here's the honest answer, updated for 2026.

Current Permethrin Shortage Status in 2026

As of mid-2026, the FDA has not listed permethrin on its official drug shortage database for the United States. This means there is no declared national shortage. However, patients across the country still routinely report difficulty finding permethrin 5% cream (the prescription formulation for scabies) at their local pharmacies.

These are localized stockouts — temporary, geography-specific shortages driven by demand spikes, limited inventory management at the pharmacy level, and limited generic manufacturing capacity. They are frustrating, but they are different from a national supply emergency.

What Happened During the UK Permethrin Shortage?

The most significant recent permethrin shortage occurred in the United Kingdom in 2023. The UK Department of Health and Social Care issued a formal medicine supply notification in September 2023 for permethrin 5% cream, noting limited supply and the simultaneous unavailability of its primary alternative, malathion liquid. The British Association of Dermatologists called it a "major public health concern," citing a highly contagious condition with no backup treatments readily available.

Contributing factors included a surge in demand for scabies treatments across Europe, supply chain disruptions, and increased cost of raw materials. The US supply did not experience the same level of disruption, but the event highlighted how vulnerable permethrin supply chains can be.

Why Is Permethrin Availability Inconsistent in the US?

Several factors make permethrin availability spotty at the local level, even without a national shortage:

Low base inventory. Permethrin is an infrequently dispensed drug. Most pharmacies stock only a few units at a time, meaning a small demand spike can clear the shelf.

Community outbreaks. Scabies and lice spread quickly in schools, nursing homes, shelters, and group-living settings. A single outbreak can generate dozens of prescriptions in one area within days.

Limited generic manufacturers. While permethrin has multiple generic manufacturers, disruptions at any one of them can reduce supply to the wholesale level.

Rising treatment resistance. As permethrin resistance in scabies grows globally, some patients require repeat courses, increasing overall demand.

Is Permethrin Resistance Making the Shortage Worse?

Permethrin resistance in scabies is a real and growing problem worldwide. A 2025 systematic review published in Clinical Dermatology and Surgery found rising treatment failures in permethrin-treated scabies patients. In a recent European study, permethrin-resistant scabies was detected in nearly 3 out of 4 cases.

In the US, resistance patterns are less severe, but they do occur. If you've completed two full, correctly applied treatment cycles and still have live mites after 14 days, resistance should be discussed with your dermatologist. This is not a reason to avoid permethrin as a first-line treatment — it is still highly effective in most cases.

What Should You Do If You Can't Find Permethrin?

If permethrin is out of stock in your area, here are your options:

Use medfinder to locate pharmacies with permethrin in stock — medfinder contacts pharmacies near you to find which ones can fill your prescription, and texts you the results.

Ask your pharmacist to order it. Most pharmacies can order permethrin from their wholesaler within 1-2 business days.

Try a mail-order pharmacy. Amazon Pharmacy, Costco Pharmacy, and insurance-affiliated mail-order services often maintain better supply.

Ask your doctor about alternatives. Oral ivermectin, crotamiton (Eurax), or spinosad (for lice) are viable alternatives that your provider can prescribe.

Important: Don't Delay Treatment

Scabies is highly contagious. The longer you wait to treat, the more likely you are to spread it to household members, partners, and close contacts. All members of a household should be treated simultaneously, even if asymptomatic. Delaying treatment while searching for a specific brand or formulation is rarely the right call — ask your doctor about alternatives right away.

Bottom Line

There is no declared national permethrin shortage in the US in 2026, but localized pharmacy-level stockouts are real. The UK experienced a more serious shortage in 2023. If you're having trouble finding permethrin near you, see our guide: How to Find Permethrin In Stock Near You.