Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate in 2026: What's the Latest?

If you rely on Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate (Kayexalate, SPS) to manage high potassium levels, you've probably noticed that finding it hasn't always been easy. The pre-mixed suspension form has been on shortage lists, and even the powder can sometimes be hard to track down at certain pharmacies.

Here's what you need to know about the Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate shortage heading into 2026 — including whether it's still going on, what it costs, and how to get your prescription filled.

Is Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate Still in Shortage?

The short answer: it depends on the formulation.

The pre-mixed oral and rectal suspension has been listed on the ASHP drug shortage database intermittently over the past several years. A key factor is that Hikma Pharmaceuticals stopped marketing its sodium polystyrene sulfonate suspension, leaving fewer suppliers for this form. When there are only a handful of manufacturers and one drops out, shortages follow quickly.

The powder form (which you mix with water yourself) has been more consistently available. Manufacturers like ECI Pharmaceuticals and Amneal continue to produce it. However, spot shortages at individual pharmacies are still possible due to distributor allocation and ordering patterns.

If you're not sure which form you need, talk to your doctor — in many cases, the powder works just as well as the pre-mixed suspension.

Why Is Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate Hard to Find?

Several factors have contributed to the ongoing availability challenges:

• Fewer manufacturers: Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate is an older, low-cost generic drug. There's less financial incentive for manufacturers to enter or stay in the market.
• Suspension form exits: With Hikma no longer marketing the suspension, the supply of the ready-to-use liquid form has been significantly reduced.
• Supply chain issues: Broader pharmaceutical supply chain disruptions — including raw material sourcing and manufacturing delays — continue to affect many medications.
• Demand from kidney disease patients: As the population of patients with chronic kidney disease grows, demand for potassium-lowering treatments remains steady.

For a deeper dive, read Why Is Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate So Hard to Find?

What Does Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate Cost in 2026?

One piece of good news: Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate remains one of the more affordable prescription medications when you can find it.

• Generic powder (454 g): $6 to $50 at retail, as low as $5.70 with a discount coupon
• Generic suspension: Varies widely depending on availability, typically $15 to $40
• Brand-name Kayexalate powder: $47 to $100

Discount cards from GoodRx, SingleCare, and other services can often bring the price under $10 for the generic powder. Learn more in our complete guide: How to Save Money on Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate.

If you have insurance, generic Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate is typically covered on Tier 1 or Tier 2 formularies, meaning low copays. Prior authorization is usually not required for the generic version.

Are There New Options for Managing High Potassium?

Yes. While Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate has been the go-to potassium binder since 1958, two newer medications offer alternatives:

• Patiromer (Veltassa): Approved in 2015, this calcium-based potassium binder is better tolerated than SPS and doesn't carry the risk of colonic necrosis. It costs $600 to $900/month without insurance.
• Sodium Zirconium Cyclosilicate (Lokelma): Approved in 2018, Lokelma works faster than SPS (within 1 hour) and is more selective for potassium. It costs $500 to $800/month without insurance.

Both alternatives are more expensive, but insurance may cover them — especially if SPS is documented as unavailable. Read our full comparison: Alternatives to Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate.

How to Find Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate in Stock

Here are the most effective steps to locate it:

1. Use Medfinder: Medfinder.com lets you search for pharmacies near you with Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate in stock. It's free and faster than calling around.
2. Ask about the powder form: If your pharmacy is out of the suspension, the powder may be available. Talk to your doctor about switching.
3. Try independent pharmacies: Smaller pharmacies may have stock when chains are out.
4. Ask your pharmacy to order it: If the drug isn't discontinued — just temporarily out — your pharmacy may be able to place a special order from their distributor.
5. Check with your doctor's office: Some medical offices, especially nephrology clinics, may have samples or can help you locate a pharmacy with stock.

For more tips, read our detailed guide: How to Find Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate in Stock Near You.

Final Thoughts

The Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate shortage in 2026 is real but manageable. The suspension form is harder to find, but the powder remains more accessible. Prices are relatively low for the generic, and alternatives like Veltassa and Lokelma exist for patients who can't get SPS.

Stay proactive: use Medfinder to check availability, talk to your doctor about formulation options, and don't wait until you're completely out of medication to start looking. Your potassium levels are too important to leave to chance.