Sutab Availability in 2026: Here's What's Happening

If you've been prescribed Sutab for a colonoscopy and heard it might be hard to find, you're probably wondering: is Sutab actually in shortage in 2026?

The short answer is that Sutab is not formally listed on the FDA's drug shortage database. However, many patients continue to report difficulty finding it at their local pharmacies. This article breaks down the current situation, explains why availability remains spotty, and gives you practical steps to get your prep medication in time for your procedure.

Is Sutab Still in Shortage?

As of early 2026, Sutab is not officially listed as a drug in shortage by the FDA. This means the manufacturer, Braintree Laboratories, is producing and distributing the medication.

However, "not in shortage" doesn't mean "easy to find." Sutab is a single-source, brand-name product with no generic equivalent. When a medication has only one manufacturer and high demand, even temporary distribution hiccups can make it unavailable at individual pharmacies. Many patients have experienced going to two or three pharmacies before finding Sutab in stock.

Why Is Sutab Hard to Find?

Several factors contribute to the ongoing difficulty in finding Sutab:

• Single manufacturer: Braintree Laboratories is the only company that makes Sutab. There is no generic version of the tablet formulation.
• Growing demand: Sutab is the only tablet-form colonoscopy prep on the market. As awareness grows among patients and providers, more prescriptions are being written for Sutab each year.
• Insurance limitations: Many insurance plans, Medicare Part D, and Medicaid do not cover Sutab, which means some pharmacies don't stock it regularly. Patients who do want it often need to search multiple pharmacies.
• Distribution gaps: Supply may be unevenly distributed across regions, with some areas better stocked than others.

For a detailed explanation, see: Why Is Sutab So Hard to Find?

How Much Does Sutab Cost in 2026?

Since many patients pay out of pocket for Sutab, cost is a key concern. Here's what you can expect:

• Average retail price: Around $243 for a 24-tablet package (one complete colonoscopy prep)
• With a discount coupon: As low as $167 through services like SingleCare
• With insurance: If covered, copays vary widely depending on your plan. Many plans do not cover Sutab or require prior authorization.

The manufacturer, Braintree Laboratories, offers a copay savings card through sutab.com that may help reduce your out-of-pocket cost if you have commercial insurance.

For comprehensive savings tips, read: How to Save Money on Sutab in 2026.

Are There New Colonoscopy Prep Options?

The colonoscopy prep landscape continues to evolve. Braintree Laboratories has also launched Suflave, a newer low-volume liquid prep with a flavor-enhancing packet. While it's not a tablet like Sutab, it offers a smaller volume and better taste experience than traditional liquid preps like GoLYTELY.

Other available options include:

• Suprep — A sulfate-based low-volume liquid prep
• GoLYTELY / NuLYTELY — Traditional high-volume PEG-based preps (generic, cheap, widely available)
• Clenpiq — A very low-volume, ready-to-drink prep with cranberry flavor

For a full comparison, see: Alternatives to Sutab.

How to Find Sutab in Stock

If you want to stick with Sutab, here are the best ways to find it:

1. Use Medfinder: Visit Medfinder.com to check real-time pharmacy stock near your zip code. This is the fastest way to see which pharmacies currently have Sutab available.
2. Call independent pharmacies: They may have different supply channels and more flexibility to order Sutab for you.
3. Fill your prescription early: Don't wait until the day before your colonoscopy. Give the pharmacy — and yourself — time to find it.
4. Ask your GI doctor's office: They prescribe bowel prep daily and usually know which local pharmacies carry Sutab.

For a complete guide, read: How to Find Sutab in Stock Near You.

Final Thoughts

Sutab remains a highly sought-after colonoscopy prep in 2026 because of its unique tablet format. While it's not formally in shortage, real-world availability can be inconsistent. The best thing you can do is plan ahead, use tools like Medfinder to check stock, and have a backup plan in case you need to switch to an alternative prep.

And remember: regardless of which prep you use, getting your colonoscopy done is what matters most. Colorectal cancer screening saves lives, and the prep is a temporary step toward peace of mind.