Is Phentermine still in shortage in 2026? Get the latest update on Phentermine availability, what's causing supply issues, costs, and how to find it in stock.
If you've tried to fill a Phentermine prescription recently and been told it's out of stock, you're not imagining things. While Phentermine isn't officially listed on the FDA's drug shortage database, patients across the country continue to report difficulty finding it at their local pharmacies.
The situation isn't a traditional shortage — it's more of a persistent supply-demand mismatch driven by several factors that aren't going away anytime soon. Here's what's actually happening and what you can do about it.
As of early 2026, Phentermine is not listed as "currently in shortage" by the FDA. That's an important distinction. The FDA tracks shortages reported by manufacturers, and right now, Phentermine manufacturers are reporting adequate production.
But here's the catch: the FDA shortage list doesn't always reflect what's happening at individual pharmacies. Patients can still face real difficulties finding Phentermine in stock even when the drug isn't technically "in shortage" at the national level.
What patients are experiencing is better described as intermittent, localized stock-outs — some pharmacies have it, others don't, and availability can change week to week.
Several overlapping factors are making Phentermine harder to find:
Interest in weight-loss medications has skyrocketed since 2022, driven by the GLP-1 revolution (Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound). While those drugs get the headlines, Phentermine prescriptions have also surged — it's more affordable, more widely available, and has decades of clinical data behind it. More prescriptions mean more demand at the pharmacy counter.
Phentermine is a Schedule IV controlled substance. The DEA sets annual production quotas for all controlled substances, and manufacturers can't exceed those limits. When demand grows faster than quotas are adjusted, supply gets tight.
Even when manufacturers have adequate supply, distribution isn't always even. Drug distributors allocate products to pharmacies based on historical ordering patterns. A pharmacy that previously ordered modest amounts of Phentermine may not receive increased allocations quickly enough to meet new demand.
Individual pharmacies — especially large chains — use automated systems to manage inventory. These systems can be slow to respond to sudden demand increases, leading to temporary stock-outs even when the drug is available from the distributor.
One of Phentermine's biggest advantages is its price. As a widely available generic medication, it's one of the most affordable weight-loss treatments on the market:
Compare that to newer weight-loss medications like Wegovy ($800-$1,300/month) or Zepbound ($1,000-$1,500/month), and you can see why Phentermine remains popular.
For tips on bringing your costs down even further, read our guide on how to save money on Phentermine.
The weight-loss medication landscape continues to evolve. Here's what's relevant for Phentermine patients:
Several generic manufacturers produce Phentermine, and the low cost of production makes it an attractive product. This means supply should continue to improve as manufacturers ramp up to meet demand.
Telehealth platforms have made it easier than ever to get a Phentermine prescription. Many weight-management telehealth services can prescribe Phentermine after a virtual consultation and send the prescription to the pharmacy of your choice. This can be especially helpful if your regular doctor has a long wait time for appointments.
Some doctors are prescribing Phentermine alongside other strategies, or transitioning patients to combination medications like Qsymia (phentermine/topiramate) for longer-term management. If you've been on Phentermine for 12 weeks and need to continue treatment, ask your doctor about these options.
If your pharmacy is out of Phentermine, here's what to do:
For more detailed strategies, check out our full guide on how to find Phentermine in stock near you.
The Phentermine supply situation in 2026 is a mixed bag. It's not an official shortage, but real-world availability can be hit or miss depending on where you live and which pharmacy you use. The underlying factors — high demand, DEA quotas, and distribution challenges — aren't going away overnight.
The silver lining: Phentermine is inexpensive, widely manufactured, and almost always findable if you know where to look. Use Medfinder to check availability, try different pharmacies, and work with your doctor to stay on track with your weight-loss goals.
Related reading:
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
Try Medfinder Concierge FreeMedfinder's mission is to ensure every patient gets access to the medications they need. We believe this begins with trustworthy information. Our core values guide everything we do, including the standards that shape the accuracy, transparency, and quality of our content. We’re committed to delivering information that’s evidence-based, regularly updated, and easy to understand. For more details on our editorial process, see here.
%2C%20Color%3DOriginal.png)
