Rhofade Shortage Update: What Patients Need to Know in 2026

If you've had trouble finding Rhofade (oxymetazoline hydrochloride cream, 1%) at your pharmacy, you're likely wondering whether there's an official shortage — and what you should do about your prescription. Here's everything patients need to know about Rhofade's availability status in 2026.

Is Rhofade Officially in Shortage as of 2026?

No. As of 2026, the FDA has not listed Rhofade in its official Drug Shortage Database. There is no FDA-designated shortage for Rhofade. However, many patients continue to report difficulty filling their prescriptions at local pharmacies, and this confusion is understandable — because a medication doesn't have to be in an official shortage to be hard to find.

Why Do Patients Experience Rhofade Availability Problems?

Even without an official shortage, Rhofade can be genuinely difficult to find at many pharmacies. Here's why:

Brand-only status: No FDA-approved generic exists for Rhofade as of May 2026. This means all supply comes from a single manufacturer — Mayne Pharma — with no backup supply chain from generic makers.

High cost deters stocking: With a retail price around $861 per tube, pharmacies keep minimal Rhofade inventory to avoid tying up significant capital in slow-moving stock.

Multiple ownership changes: Rhofade has been owned by Allergan, Aclaris Therapeutics, EPI Health, and now Mayne Pharma. Each transition can disrupt distribution networks and marketing relationships with pharmacies.

Limited prescriber base: Rhofade is prescribed mainly by dermatologists for a specific rosacea symptom. Many pharmacies in areas with fewer dermatology practices may see only occasional Rhofade prescriptions and choose not to stock it regularly.

What Has Changed in Rhofade's Supply Situation?

In 2022, Mayne Pharma acquired the U.S. commercialization rights to several EPI Health dermatology brands, including Rhofade. Since then, the company has maintained supply of the product and actively offers patient savings programs, including a Copay Savings Card through their RWET program. Mayne Pharma's focus on specialty dermatology has helped stabilize Rhofade's commercial availability compared to earlier ownership periods.

Patent protection for Rhofade is expected to last until at least 2027. Until generic competition enters the market, patients should expect Rhofade to remain a brand-only product that not every pharmacy will routinely stock.

What Should I Do If My Pharmacy Is Out of Rhofade?

If your usual pharmacy tells you Rhofade is out of stock, here are practical steps to take:

Ask your pharmacy if they can order it — most can receive Rhofade within 1-3 business days from their wholesale distributor even if it's not currently on the shelf.

Use medfinder — our service contacts pharmacies near you on your behalf to find which ones have Rhofade available, so you don't have to make the calls yourself.

Call your dermatologist's office to ask which local pharmacy they typically send Rhofade prescriptions to — offices that regularly prescribe it often have an established pharmacy relationship.

Ask your doctor about using the Rhofade Copay Savings Card from Mayne Pharma, which may significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs and make filling at a specialty pharmacy more financially accessible.

38,353+ patients found their medications in stock

38K+

Find Rhofade In Stock Today →

When Will a Generic Rhofade Be Available?

As of 2026, no FDA-approved generic for Rhofade exists, and patent protection is expected to last until at least 2027. Once patent exclusivity ends, generic manufacturers can submit ANDA applications to the FDA. Approval and market entry typically takes 1-2 additional years after patent expiration. So patients should not expect a generic Rhofade to be available before 2028-2029 at the earliest.

Should I Switch to an Alternative?

If Rhofade is consistently unavailable in your area and your dermatologist hasn't prescribed an alternative, it's worth a conversation at your next appointment. Several effective options exist, including Mirvaso (brimonidine), Finacea (azelaic acid), and generic metronidazole. See our full guide to Rhofade alternatives for details.