Provider Briefing: Treximet Availability in 2026

If your migraine patients are reporting trouble filling Treximet (Sumatriptan 85 mg / Naproxen Sodium 500 mg) prescriptions, they're not alone. While Treximet is not listed on the FDA's formal drug shortage database, real-world availability has become a persistent challenge. This briefing covers what you need to know as a prescriber — from the root causes to practical solutions.

Timeline: How We Got Here

Treximet was first approved by the FDA in April 2008 as the first and only combination of a triptan and NSAID in a single tablet. Key milestones:

• 2008: FDA approval of adult formulation (85 mg Sumatriptan / 500 mg Naproxen Sodium)
• 2015: FDA approval of pediatric formulation (10 mg / 60 mg) for adolescents aged 12-17
• 2018-2020: Product transitioned from GlaxoSmithKline to Pernix Therapeutics, then to Currax Pharmaceuticals
• 2020s: Pediatric formulation discontinued; generic entry for adult formulation
• 2026: Brand and authorized generic available, but pharmacy stocking remains limited

The multiple ownership changes and the niche nature of the product have contributed to its inconsistent availability at retail pharmacies.

Prescribing Implications

When prescribing Treximet in the current environment, consider the following:

Formulary Status

Most commercial insurance plans and Medicare Part D formularies have moved Treximet to non-preferred or specialty tiers. Patients may face:

• Prior authorization requirements — documentation of failed triptan monotherapy may be needed
• Step therapy — plans typically require trial of standalone Sumatriptan or another triptan first
• Higher copays — even with coverage, patients may pay $50 to $100+ per fill

Generic Availability

A generic version of the adult 85/500 mg tablet is available, which can reduce cost significantly. With discount coupons (GoodRx, SingleCare), generic prices start around $130 for 9 tablets. The authorized generic through the manufacturer's website (treximet.com) is available for $75 for 9 tablets.

Pediatric Formulation Discontinued

The 10/60 mg pediatric formulation is no longer available. For adolescent patients, prescribers should consider weight-based dosing of standalone Sumatriptan with appropriate NSAID dosing, or alternative migraine therapies.

Current Availability Picture

The core issue is not a manufacturing shortage — it's a stocking gap. Key factors:

• Low pharmacy demand: Because most prescribers opt for standalone Sumatriptan + Naproxen (significantly cheaper), individual pharmacy locations see few Treximet prescriptions and don't maintain stock
• Chain pharmacy limitations: National chains use automated inventory systems based on local dispensing history; locations that don't regularly fill Treximet won't order it proactively
• Wholesaler availability: The product is available from major wholesalers (McKesson, AmerisourceBergen, Cardinal Health), but pharmacies must specifically request it

Cost and Access Overview

Understanding the financial landscape helps when counseling patients:

• Brand-name Treximet: $500 to $900 for 9 tablets (cash price)
• Generic Sumatriptan/Naproxen Sodium: $130 to $250 for 9 tablets with discount card
• Manufacturer direct (treximet.com): $75 (authorized generic) to $99 (brand) for 9 tablets with free shipping
• Separate components: Generic Sumatriptan 100 mg ($5-$15 for 9 tablets) + OTC Naproxen Sodium ($5-$10) = under $25 total

For patients who are cost-sensitive, prescribing the components separately is often the most practical approach. For detailed savings options to share with patients, see how patients can save on Treximet.

Tools and Resources for Providers

Medfinder for Providers

Medfinder offers real-time pharmacy availability data that can be valuable in clinical workflows. Rather than sending patients on a search, you can direct them to check stock before leaving the office.

Manufacturer Direct Ordering

Currax Pharmaceuticals' direct-to-patient program through treximet.com can bypass pharmacy stocking issues entirely. Patients need only a valid prescription. Consider mentioning this option when writing the prescription.

Prior Authorization Support

If the patient's insurance requires PA, having documentation ready — including history of triptan monotherapy trials and clinical rationale for the combination product — can speed the process. Many EMR systems have integrated PA tools through CoverMyMeds and similar services.

Alternative Prescribing Strategies

When Treximet isn't accessible, consider these evidence-based alternatives:

1. Sumatriptan + Naproxen Sodium prescribed separately — same active ingredients, significantly lower cost, widely available
2. Alternative triptan monotherapy — Rizatriptan (Maxalt), Eletriptan (Relpax), or Zolmitriptan (Zomig) for patients who respond to triptans
3. CGRP receptor antagonists — Ubrogepant (Ubrelvy) or Rimegepant (Nurtec ODT) for patients with cardiovascular contraindications to triptans
4. Preventive therapy — For patients with frequent migraines (4+ per month), CGRP monoclonal antibodies like Erenumab (Aimovig) or Galcanezumab (Emgality) may reduce acute medication needs

For a patient-facing guide to alternatives, see alternatives to Treximet.

Looking Ahead

The migraine treatment landscape continues to evolve rapidly. The emergence of gepants and ditans has expanded the acute treatment toolkit beyond triptans. However, the triptan-NSAID combination remains a clinically validated approach, and Treximet's unique single-tablet formulation offers convenience and improved adherence for appropriate patients.

As the market shifts, provider awareness of availability tools becomes increasingly important. Integrating real-time stock checking through Medfinder for providers into prescribing workflows can reduce patient frustration and prescription abandonment rates.

Final Thoughts

Treximet is not in a formal shortage, but its limited retail availability creates a de facto access problem for patients. As a prescriber, you can help by:

• Proactively discussing availability and cost with patients at the point of prescribing
• Directing patients to Medfinder and the manufacturer's direct ordering program
• Having alternative prescribing strategies ready when Treximet isn't accessible
• Supporting prior authorization requests with thorough documentation

For a practical step-by-step workflow, see our companion guide: How to help your patients find Treximet in stock.