Triamcinolone Shortage Update: What Patients Need to Know in 2026

If your doctor ordered a triamcinolone injection and your pharmacy said it was out of stock, you have encountered one of the more disruptive drug shortages of 2025 and 2026. Here is the full picture of what is happening, which manufacturers are affected, what to expect next, and what patients can do today.

What Is the Current Shortage Status for Triamcinolone in 2026?

Triamcinolone acetonide injectable suspension 40 mg/mL is in an active, ASHP-tracked shortage as of early 2026. The shortage was created in June 2025 and has persisted due to simultaneous supply constraints across virtually every manufacturer. A separate shortage of triamcinolone hexacetonide injection has been ongoing since 2021.

The topical forms of triamcinolone — cream, ointment, lotion — are not part of this shortage and remain generally available.

Which Manufacturers Are Affected?

Here is the manufacturer-by-manufacturer status as of early 2026, based on ASHP shortage tracking:

Viatris: 40 mg/mL vials (5 mL and 10 mL) on back order. Estimated release date of late June 2026.

Bristol-Myers Squibb (Kenalog): Kenalog-10 (5 mL), Kenalog-40 (1 mL, 5 mL, 10 mL) have reported shortages. No reason provided for the brand shortage.

Amneal: Product available but on allocation to contracted customers. Not freely available on the open market.

Hikma: 40 mg/mL 1 mL vials on allocation. No reason for shortage provided.

Long Grove: 5 mL and 10 mL vials on intermittent back order. Releasing product as available; cites increased demand.

Eugia: Discontinued triamcinolone acetonide injectable suspension entirely in mid-2025. No longer a source.

Teva: Reported in shortage. No reason provided.

What Is Causing the Triamcinolone Shortage?

The reasons vary by manufacturer. One notable factor is GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) compliance requirements — at least one manufacturer has cited GMP issues as the reason for limited supply. Long Grove has cited a surge in demand. Eugia's market exit removed a significant capacity source. When multiple manufacturers face issues simultaneously, there is no remaining backup supply to cushion the system, which is why this shortage has been so persistent.

How Does This Shortage Affect Patients?

Patients receiving triamcinolone injections for arthritis, gout, allergic reactions, or skin conditions may experience delays in scheduled procedures. Some clinics have already shifted to methylprednisolone (Depo-Medrol) as their primary injectable corticosteroid. Patients may receive a different injectable at their next appointment without it being a major clinical concern — but your doctor should explain the rationale.

Is Triamcinolone Topical Cream Affected?

No. The topical cream, ointment, and lotion forms of triamcinolone acetonide are manufactured by different suppliers and are not part of the injectable shortage. Most patients prescribed the cream for eczema, psoriasis, or dermatitis will be able to fill their prescription without difficulty. If your specific pharmacy is out, a nearby location is usually an option.

What Patients Can Do Right Now

Contact your prescriber to discuss whether an alternative injectable corticosteroid is appropriate for your condition.

Call multiple pharmacies — independent pharmacies, hospital outpatient pharmacies, and compounding pharmacies may have supply when chains do not.

Use medfinder to search pharmacies near you without spending hours on hold.

Ask if a compounding pharmacy can prepare the injectable form — this requires a specific type of prescription from your doctor.

How medfinder Helps During Shortages

During a shortage, availability changes day by day. medfinder calls pharmacies in your area to find out which ones have your specific medication in stock right now. You get the results by text, so you can go directly to the location that has it — no waiting, no repeat calls.

See also: Alternatives to Triamcinolone If You Can't Fill Your Prescription for a clinical breakdown of substitute options.