Sucralfate Shortage Update: What Patients Need to Know in 2026

If you or a family member takes sucralfate (brand name Carafate), you may have experienced difficulty getting your prescription filled at certain pharmacies. This has led many patients to ask: is sucralfate in shortage? The answer is nuanced — and understanding it will help you take the right steps to ensure your treatment isn't interrupted.

Current Status: Is Sucralfate in Shortage in 2026?

As of early 2026, sucralfate is not listed as a formal, active shortage on the FDA Drug Shortage Database. This means the FDA is not working with manufacturers on a critical supply crisis. However, the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) has documented that Teva Pharmaceuticals placed sucralfate 1g tablets on intermittent back order due to increased demand, while other manufacturers such as Viatris have maintained availability.

This type of situation — where one major supplier is constrained while others remain available — creates "localized" shortages. You may walk into one pharmacy and be told it's out of stock, while another pharmacy across town has it readily available. This uneven distribution is the most common complaint patients experience.

What Caused the Sucralfate Supply Issues?

The ASHP specifically cited increased demand as the primary driver of Teva's back order. Several factors are contributing to higher prescription volumes for sucralfate:

• Rising rates of peptic ulcer disease: Population migration patterns and rising NSAID use (especially among aging baby boomers with arthritis) are increasing the incidence of stomach ulcers.
• Expanded off-label uses: Sucralfate is increasingly used for conditions like chemotherapy-induced mucositis, radiation proctitis, and even button battery esophageal injuries (now recommended by the National Capital Poison Center). Each new indication expands the patient population.
• GLP-1 medication-related GI effects: The explosion in GLP-1 prescriptions (semaglutide, tirzepatide) for weight loss has brought many new patients into gastroenterology care, some of whom are prescribed GI-protective agents like sucralfate.
• Concentrated manufacturing: Generic medications like sucralfate are often produced by a small number of manufacturers. When one company — like Teva — faces a capacity constraint, it disproportionately affects supply.

Is the Sucralfate Suspension Also Affected?

The sucralfate oral suspension (1g/10mL liquid) has a separate — and generally more limited — manufacturing supply chain than the tablets. There are fewer generic competitors for the suspension, and manufacturing liquid pharmaceuticals is more complex and costly. Patients who require the suspension (for example, those with swallowing difficulties, mucositis patients, or hospitalized patients receiving tube feedings) may find it harder to source than the tablet form.

If your prescription is for the suspension and it's unavailable at multiple pharmacies, contact your prescriber. For some conditions, the tablet formulation may be an acceptable substitute.

What Has the FDA Done About Sucralfate Supply?

The FDA has not placed sucralfate on its formal shortage list, meaning it has not determined that national supply is critically insufficient. Sucralfate's availability of multiple generic manufacturers means the overall supply is not at crisis levels — the problem is distribution and stocking variability rather than a true nationwide shortage.

The FDA's Drug Shortages Staff monitors reports from manufacturers, healthcare providers, and patients. If you cannot find sucralfate in your area, you can report this to the FDA at drugshortages@fda.hhs.gov — patient reports help the agency identify when a local issue may be escalating to a national one.

What Should You Do If You Can't Find Sucralfate?

Here are the most effective steps to take when your pharmacy is out of stock:

1. Search beyond your usual pharmacy. Independent pharmacies often source from different distributors than chain pharmacies and may have stock.
2. Ask about the alternate formulation. If tablets are unavailable, ask whether the suspension is in stock (or vice versa).
3. Request a manufacturer specification. Ask the pharmacist if they can source from a manufacturer currently in stock (Viatris has maintained supply when Teva was on back order).
4. Use medfinder to have pharmacies near you checked on your behalf — faster and more comprehensive than calling each one manually.
5. Contact your prescriber. They can assist with refill timing, bridge prescriptions, or discuss temporary alternatives if needed.

Will the Sucralfate Supply Situation Improve?

The outlook for sucralfate availability is reasonably good. Multiple manufacturers produce it, the FDA has not classified it as a critical shortage, and intermittent back orders typically resolve as manufacturers increase production to meet demand. If you cannot find sucralfate right now, read our guide on alternatives to sucralfate that may be available while you wait. Most patients are able to find it within their broader area with some persistence.