Rectiv Shortage in 2026: Here's What We Know

If you rely on Rectiv (Nitroglycerin 0.4% rectal ointment) for chronic anal fissure pain, you've likely experienced the frustration of going to the pharmacy only to be told it's out of stock. The Rectiv shortage has been an ongoing problem, and as of 2026, many patients are still struggling to find this medication.

In this article, we'll give you the most current information on the Rectiv shortage, explain why it's happening, and tell you exactly what you can do about it.

What Is the Current Status of the Rectiv Shortage?

As of early 2026, Rectiv continues to experience intermittent supply disruptions. The medication is not consistently available at most retail pharmacies across the United States. Some regions have better access than others, but overall, patients should expect difficulty finding Rectiv at their local pharmacy.

The FDA periodically updates its drug shortage database, which tracks medications with known supply issues. Rectiv has appeared on this list multiple times in recent years.

Why Is There a Rectiv Shortage?

The Rectiv shortage isn't caused by a single issue — it's the result of several factors coming together:

Single Manufacturer

Rectiv is produced by only one company: Allergan, which is now part of AbbVie. When there's only one source for a medication, any production issue — whether it's a manufacturing delay, equipment problem, or raw material shortage — can lead to a nationwide supply gap.

No FDA-Approved Generic

As of 2026, no generic version of Nitroglycerin 0.4% rectal ointment has been approved by the FDA. Without generic competition, there's no backup supply to fill the gap when the brand product is unavailable.

Low Demand, Low Priority

Rectiv serves a relatively small patient population compared to high-volume medications like blood pressure pills or cholesterol drugs. This means it gets less attention from manufacturers and distributors. Pharmacies are less likely to stock it, and manufacturers may not prioritize ramping up production.

Supply Chain Challenges

The broader pharmaceutical supply chain continues to face disruptions. From raw ingredient sourcing to distribution logistics, the path from factory to pharmacy shelf has many potential bottleneck points.

For a deeper explanation, see our article: Why is Rectiv so hard to find?

How Long Will the Shortage Last?

Unfortunately, there's no clear timeline for when the Rectiv shortage will be fully resolved. Because the underlying issues — single-source manufacturing and lack of a generic — haven't changed, supply disruptions are likely to continue for the foreseeable future.

The best approach is to stay informed and have backup plans in place. We'll update this article as new information becomes available.

What Can You Do Right Now?

1. Check Real-Time Availability

Use MedFinder to check which pharmacies near you currently have Rectiv in stock. This is the fastest way to find out where you can fill your prescription without making dozens of phone calls.

For a step-by-step guide, see: How to find Rectiv in stock near you

2. Talk to Your Doctor About Alternatives

If you can't find Rectiv, your doctor can help you explore other options. The most common alternatives include:

• Compounded Nitroglycerin ointment — Same active ingredient, available from compounding pharmacies, typically $30-$100
• Topical Diltiazem — A calcium channel blocker that also relaxes the anal sphincter, with fewer headaches
• Botox injections — For patients who don't respond to topical treatments

Read our full guide on alternatives: Alternatives to Rectiv if you can't fill your prescription

3. Try Specialty or Independent Pharmacies

Large chain pharmacies are least likely to stock Rectiv. Specialty pharmacies and independent pharmacies often have better access to niche medications and may be willing to special-order it for you.

4. Consider Compounding Pharmacies

Even if Rectiv itself isn't available, compounding pharmacies can prepare Nitroglycerin ointment with a prescription from your doctor. This is often the quickest way to get treatment when the brand product is out of stock.

5. Look Into Financial Assistance

If you do find Rectiv but the cost is a barrier, there are programs that can help. AbbVie offers patient assistance programs, and third-party resources like NeedyMeds and RxAssist can connect you with additional support.

For money-saving tips, see: How to save money on Rectiv in 2026

Should You Stockpile Rectiv?

It's tempting to fill extra prescriptions when Rectiv is available, but there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Rectiv has a shelf life — check the expiration date before storing extra tubes
• Insurance typically only covers one tube at a time
• Your doctor may need to write a new prescription if your current one expires
• Hoarding contributes to supply problems for other patients

The better strategy is to stay proactive about refills and work with your doctor to have a backup treatment plan in case Rectiv becomes unavailable again.

How to Stay Updated on the Shortage

Here are the best ways to stay informed:

• Bookmark MedFinder — Check back regularly for real-time pharmacy availability
• FDA Drug Shortages Database — The official source for shortage information
• Your pharmacist — They often have early information about supply issues and restocking timelines
• Your doctor's office — They hear from other patients about availability and can provide updates

The Bottom Line

The Rectiv shortage in 2026 is a continuation of a long-running supply problem driven by single-source manufacturing and the absence of a generic alternative. While there's no quick fix on the horizon, you can take steps right now to find Rectiv or secure an effective alternative.

Start with MedFinder to check availability, talk to your doctor about backup options, and don't hesitate to explore compounding pharmacies. You have more options than you might think — and you don't have to navigate this alone.