Is Tivicay in shortage in 2026? Get the latest update on Dolutegravir availability, pricing, and what patients can do to find it in stock.
If you've been hearing that Tivicay (Dolutegravir) is hard to find, you probably want to know: is there an actual shortage? The answer is more nuanced than a simple yes or no.
In this update, we'll cover the current state of Tivicay availability, why you might be having trouble finding it, how much it costs in 2026, and what steps you can take to stay on your medication.
As of early 2026, Tivicay is not listed on the FDA or ASHP drug shortage databases. That means there isn't a nationwide manufacturing shortage. However, that doesn't mean finding it at your pharmacy is easy.
Several factors have made Tivicay harder to get than you might expect:
So while ViiV Healthcare is still manufacturing Tivicay 50 mg, the drug's distribution footprint has narrowed, making it harder for some patients to access.
There are a few key reasons you might struggle to find Tivicay at your local pharmacy in 2026:
HIV medications like Tivicay are often routed through specialty pharmacies rather than standard retail chains. If your regular pharmacy doesn't specialize in antiretrovirals, they may not stock it or may need to special-order it.
Tivicay has no generic equivalent in the United States. The patent doesn't expire until June 2030. With only one manufacturer, supply is less flexible than it would be with multiple generic producers.
Some health plans have moved standalone Dolutegravir to a non-preferred tier, favoring combination products instead. This reduces pharmacy demand for standalone Tivicay and can lead to less consistent stocking. For more details, read our post on why Tivicay is hard to find.
Without insurance, Tivicay 50 mg (30 tablets) costs approximately $2,800 to $2,925 at retail pharmacies. With discount cards like GoodRx or SingleCare, the price can drop to around $2,260 to $2,280.
If you have commercial insurance, ViiV Healthcare's savings card (available at myviivcard.com) may reduce your copay to as low as $0. For uninsured patients, ViiV's patient assistance program and state ADAP programs may cover the full cost.
For a complete breakdown, see our guide on how to save money on Tivicay.
The HIV treatment landscape continues to evolve. While Tivicay remains a cornerstone medication, patients and providers now have more choices than ever:
Talk to your provider about whether any of these alternatives to Tivicay might work for your situation.
If you need Tivicay and your pharmacy doesn't have it, try these steps:
For more tips, read our full guide on how to find Tivicay in stock near you.
Tivicay isn't in a formal shortage, but real-world availability can still be a challenge for patients in 2026. Discontinued strengths, specialty distribution, and lack of a generic all play a role. The most important thing is to plan ahead, use the right tools, and stay in close contact with your healthcare provider so you never miss a dose.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
Try Medfinder Concierge FreeMedfinder's mission is to ensure every patient gets access to the medications they need. We believe this begins with trustworthy information. Our core values guide everything we do, including the standards that shape the accuracy, transparency, and quality of our content. We’re committed to delivering information that’s evidence-based, regularly updated, and easy to understand. For more details on our editorial process, see here.
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