Temozolomide Shortage Update: What Patients Need to Know in 2026

If you or someone you love is being treated for glioblastoma or another brain tumor with temozolomide (Temodar), you may have heard concerns about availability. This article gives you the most up-to-date picture of the temozolomide supply situation in 2026 and what steps patients can take.

Is Temozolomide in an Official FDA Shortage in 2026?

As of 2026, temozolomide is not listed as an active drug shortage by the FDA. This is different from many other oncology drugs that have appeared on shortage lists in recent years. Multiple generic manufacturers produce temozolomide in the United States, including Lannett, Amneal, Sun Pharma, and Camber Pharmaceuticals, which launched a new generic in May 2025. The brand-name Temodar is made by Merck.

Having multiple manufacturers is a key protection against shortages — if one company has a production issue or recall, others can typically fill the gap.

Then Why Are Patients Still Struggling to Find It?

The disconnect between a drug having no FDA shortage and patients still struggling to fill it is real — and it affects oncology drugs more than most. Here's why:

• Specialty drug distribution: Temozolomide flows through specialty pharmacy channels, not standard retail distribution. A community pharmacy that doesn't regularly stock it has to special-order it, which takes days.
• Multiple capsule strengths: Temozolomide comes in 5 mg, 20 mg, 100 mg, 140 mg, 180 mg, and 250 mg capsules. A pharmacy may have one strength but not another — and a single patient's prescription may need two or three different strengths.
• Insurance authorization delays: Most insurers require prior authorization for this expensive specialty drug. PA processing can take 2–7 business days, which compounds the difficulty of getting medication in time.
• Small patient population: GBM affects roughly 14,000 Americans annually. With such low demand at any given retail pharmacy, stocking decisions favor high-volume medications over this one.

Historical Context: Has Temozolomide Been in Shortage Before?

Yes. Temozolomide has appeared on drug shortage lists at various points over the years, particularly for specific strengths (notably the 5 mg and 20 mg capsules) or for the injectable form. The introduction of multiple generic manufacturers over time has significantly improved the overall supply picture. However, as the 2024 U.S. drug shortage crisis illustrated, oncology and sterile injectable drugs remain the most vulnerable categories.

What Recent Developments Affect Temozolomide Availability?

Several positive developments in 2024–2025 have strengthened temozolomide supply:

• Camber Pharmaceuticals launched a new generic temozolomide in May 2025, adding a fourth major generic supplier.
• The FDA updated temozolomide's labeling in September 2023 under Project Renewal, ensuring prescribing information is current and clinically relevant.
• Phase 3 trial results from ECOG-ACRIN in November 2024 showed that temozolomide improves 10-year survival to 70% in grade 2 glioma patients (versus 47% with radiation alone), potentially expanding use and incentivizing further production.

What Should Patients Do If They Can't Find Temozolomide?

If you are having difficulty filling your prescription, here are immediate steps:

1. Contact your oncology team immediately — they often have direct access to specialty pharmacy resources.
2. Use medfinder.com — medfinder calls pharmacies near you to check availability for your specific medication and dosage.
3. Ask your prescriber to route the prescription to a specialty pharmacy like CVS Specialty, Accredo, or your cancer center's pharmacy.
4. Start your search 7–10 days before each cycle begins — never wait until Day 1.

Bottom Line

Temozolomide is not in a national shortage as of 2026. The supply is generally stable thanks to multiple generic manufacturers. However, specialty drug distribution realities mean that retail pharmacies often don't carry it. Plan ahead, work with your oncology team, and use tools like medfinder to locate available stock. For practical tips, see our guide: How to Find Temozolomide in Stock Near You.