Tazorac Shortage Update: What Patients Need to Know in 2026

If you've been told your pharmacy doesn't have Tazorac in stock, or your insurance has denied coverage, you might be wondering whether there's a shortage of this medication. The answer is nuanced — and important for patients who rely on tazarotene for managing psoriasis, acne, or photoaged skin.

Is There an Official Tazorac Shortage in 2026?

As of 2026, Tazorac (tazarotene) is not listed as an active shortage drug by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA's drug shortage database, maintained by the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER), does not include tazarotene in its current shortage list.

However, "not in shortage" does not mean "easy to get." Patients across the country continue to face access challenges with Tazorac due to reasons unrelated to a true manufacturing or supply shortage.

Why Patients Still Struggle to Get Tazorac in 2026

The access challenges with Tazorac in 2026 are primarily driven by:

Insurance prior authorization requirements. Most major commercial insurance plans and Medicare Part D require documentation of medical necessity before covering tazarotene. This creates delays that can feel like a shortage for patients waiting on approval.

Step therapy mandates. Some payers require patients to try and fail less expensive retinoids (like tretinoin or adapalene) before approving tazarotene coverage. This can delay appropriate treatment for weeks or months.

Brand discontinuation and reformulation shifts. Brand-name Tazorac gel is less commonly stocked at retail pharmacies than it once was. Patients who specifically need the brand formulation may find it harder to locate compared to generic tazarotene.

High retail prices. Brand-name Tazorac carries a retail price of $250–$600 per 30g tube, which is cost-prohibitive for many patients without adequate coverage or assistance.

Localized stocking gaps. Individual pharmacies may not keep tazarotene in all strengths and formulations on their shelves. A specific pharmacy may not have your strength in stock on any given day even when the drug is widely available overall.

What Has the History of Tazorac Availability Looked Like?

Tazorac has not experienced the type of widespread, prolonged shortage that has affected drugs like Adderall, Ozempic, or albuterol inhalers in recent years. Tazarotene has been commercially available in the United States since its original FDA approval in 1997, and generic versions became available after patent expiration.

The FDA approved the first generic of Tazorac gel (0.05% and 0.1%) — manufactured by Cosette Pharmaceuticals — helping expand the supply base. Multiple other generic manufacturers now produce tazarotene cream and gel, which has stabilized availability.

What Should Patients Do If They Can't Get Tazorac Filled Right Now?

Whether the barrier is insurance, pharmacy stocking, or cost, here are concrete next steps:

Confirm your prescription is for generic tazarotene. Generic is more widely available and dramatically less expensive than brand-name Tazorac.

Call multiple pharmacies. Availability varies significantly by pharmacy. A pharmacy a few miles away may have your exact strength in stock.

Use medfinder to locate in-stock pharmacies. medfinder calls pharmacies in your area to find which ones have your medication in stock and texts results to you — eliminating the need to call around yourself.

Use a prescription discount card. GoodRx and SingleCare can bring generic tazarotene down to $40–$80 per tube at most major pharmacies.

Work with your doctor on a prior authorization. If insurance is the barrier, your dermatologist or prescriber can submit a prior authorization request with documentation of medical necessity.

Ask about patient assistance. AbbVie's Patient Assistance Foundation may provide Tazorac at no cost for qualifying uninsured or underinsured patients.

Is Generic Tazarotene Easier to Find Than Brand Tazorac?

Yes, in most cases. Generic tazarotene is produced by multiple manufacturers, carried at more pharmacies, and is orders of magnitude less expensive than brand Tazorac. Unless your doctor has a specific clinical reason to prescribe the brand formulation, generic tazarotene is the preferred choice for both availability and affordability.

The Bottom Line for Patients in 2026

Tazorac is not in an official shortage. But access barriers — especially insurance gatekeeping and cost — create real disruptions for patients. Generic tazarotene is your best bet for reliable access. If you're running low, take action a few weeks before you need a refill to give time for pharmacy sourcing or insurance approvals.

For help finding Tazorac near you, see How to Find Tazorac in Stock Near You, or let medfinder call pharmacies for you.