The Pulmicort Shortage: Where Things Stand in 2026

If you rely on Pulmicort or generic Budesonide to manage asthma, the past year has probably been frustrating. Supply problems that started in 2024 have continued into 2026, leaving patients and pharmacies dealing with unpredictable availability.

Here's a clear, up-to-date look at the current shortage — what's happening, why, and what you can do about it.

Is Pulmicort Still in Shortage?

Yes. As of early 2026, budesonide inhalation suspension — the generic equivalent of Pulmicort Respules used in nebulizers — remains in an active shortage according to the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP).

Specifically:

• Teva Pharmaceuticals has budesonide 0.5 mg/2 mL inhalation suspension (5 vials per pouch) on back order, with an estimated release date of late March 2026.
• Other budesonide inhalation suspension presentations from Teva are on intermittent back order, with supplies being released as they become available.
• The Pulmicort Flexhaler 90 mcg was discontinued by AstraZeneca, further reducing available options.

The Pulmicort Flexhaler 180 mcg remains available, but supply can be inconsistent depending on your location and pharmacy.

Why Is Pulmicort Hard to Find?

The shortage is driven by several overlapping factors:

Manufacturing Capacity Constraints

Producing inhaled medications is complex. Budesonide inhalation suspension requires specialized manufacturing facilities, and when production falls behind — whether due to equipment issues, raw material supply problems, or quality control holds — it takes months to catch up.

Limited Generic Competition

There are relatively few manufacturers producing generic budesonide inhalation products. When the primary generic supplier (Teva) experiences disruptions, there aren't many other companies to pick up the slack.

Discontinuation of Brand-Name Products

AstraZeneca's discontinuation of the Pulmicort Flexhaler 90 mcg shifted demand to remaining formulations and generics, adding pressure to already-constrained supply.

Seasonal Demand Fluctuations

Asthma medications see demand spikes during respiratory illness season (fall/winter) and allergy season (spring). These surges worsen an already-tight supply situation.

For a more detailed breakdown, see our post on why Pulmicort is so hard to find.

How Much Does Pulmicort Cost in 2026?

Cost is another challenge, particularly for patients without insurance or those whose usual pharmacy is out of stock (forcing them to fill elsewhere at different prices):

• Brand-name Pulmicort Flexhaler: $200-$350+ per inhaler without insurance
• Brand-name Pulmicort Respules: $350-$410+ for 30 ampules without insurance
• Generic budesonide inhalation suspension: $45-$70 with a discount card (e.g., GoodRx, SingleCare)
• Generic budesonide dry powder inhaler: $45-$200 depending on pharmacy and coupon

Discount cards can make a significant difference. For a complete guide to savings options, read our post on how to save money on Pulmicort.

Are There New Options in 2026?

While no entirely new budesonide inhalation products have launched recently, there are a few developments worth noting:

• Generic availability continues to expand: Generic budesonide dry powder inhalers are more widely available than in previous years, offering a lower-cost option for patients who previously relied on brand-name Pulmicort Flexhaler.
• Combination inhalers: If your asthma requires both a controller and a long-acting bronchodilator, combination products like Symbicort (Budesonide/Formoterol) or Breyna (a generic alternative) may be worth discussing with your doctor.
• Alternative ICS options: Other inhaled corticosteroids — Flovent, QVAR, Asmanex, Alvesco — remain available and may be easier to find during the budesonide shortage. See our alternatives guide.

How to Find Pulmicort in Stock Right Now

Here are the most effective strategies:

1. Use Medfinder to check real-time pharmacy availability near you. Stock levels change frequently during shortages, and what's unavailable today may be in stock tomorrow.
2. Try independent pharmacies. They often use different wholesalers than the big chains and may have stock when CVS or Walgreens don't.
3. Ask your pharmacist to place a back order. Even if a pharmacy is currently out, they may be able to order it from their distributor.
4. Consider mail-order pharmacy. Some mail-order services have access to different supply channels.
5. Talk to your doctor. If you truly can't find Budesonide, they can switch you to an available alternative.

For a complete walkthrough, read our guide on how to find Pulmicort in stock near you.

Final Thoughts

The Pulmicort shortage has been going on for a while, and while supply is expected to improve by late March 2026, it's still a day-to-day challenge for many patients. The most important thing is to not go without your asthma medication.

Use Medfinder to track availability, talk to your doctor about alternatives if needed, and take advantage of savings programs to manage costs. The shortage won't last forever, but in the meantime, you have options.