Trileptal Shortage Update for 2026

If you depend on Trileptal (Oxcarbazepine) to manage your seizures, you've probably wondered: is there still a Trileptal shortage? What's going on with availability? And how much should you expect to pay?

In this article, we'll give you the latest update on Trileptal availability in 2026, explain why the medication has been hard to find, break down current pricing, and share practical steps you can take to get your prescription filled.

Is Trileptal Still in Shortage?

As of early 2026, there is no official nationwide shortage of Oxcarbazepine listed by the FDA or the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). However, that doesn't mean every pharmacy has it in stock.

Many patients continue to report difficulty finding specific strengths or formulations of Oxcarbazepine at their local pharmacies. These spot shortages are typically caused by:

• Individual manufacturer production delays
• Distributor allocation limits
• Regional supply chain issues
• Increased demand at certain times of year

The situation varies significantly by location. A pharmacy in one city may have plenty of stock while pharmacies in another area are completely out. This is why checking multiple pharmacies — or using a tool like Medfinder — is so important.

Why Has Trileptal Been Hard to Find?

Several factors have contributed to intermittent availability issues with Oxcarbazepine over the past couple of years:

Generic Manufacturer Disruptions

Oxcarbazepine is produced by multiple generic manufacturers. When one or more of these companies experience production issues — whether due to quality control inspections, raw material shortages, or equipment problems — it creates temporary gaps in supply. Since pharmacies often rely on a single preferred supplier, a disruption at that supplier can make the drug seem unavailable even when other manufacturers still have stock.

Supply Chain Challenges

The broader pharmaceutical supply chain has faced persistent challenges since 2020, including shipping delays, warehouse staffing issues, and fluctuating raw material costs. These issues affect many medications, not just Oxcarbazepine.

Pharmacy Inventory Practices

Many pharmacies operate on just-in-time inventory systems, meaning they order only what they expect to need in the near term. This approach saves costs but leaves little buffer when supply is disrupted. If a pharmacy's regular order can't be filled, it may take days or weeks to source the medication from an alternative supplier.

For a deeper look at what's driving these issues, read our article on why Trileptal is so hard to find.

How Much Does Trileptal Cost in 2026?

The cost of Trileptal varies widely depending on whether you're paying for the brand name or a generic version, and whether you have insurance.

Brand-Name Trileptal

The average retail price for brand-name Trileptal is approximately $815 per month without insurance. This is the price you'd pay at most retail pharmacies without any discount card or coupon.

Generic Oxcarbazepine

Generic Oxcarbazepine is significantly more affordable. Here's what you can expect:

• Retail cash price: About $164 for 60 tablets of 300 mg
• With a GoodRx coupon: As low as $11 to $30 per month
• With insurance: Typical copay of $60 to $80

The extended-release version (Oxtellar XR) costs more — approximately $512 per month at retail without insurance.

For more ways to reduce your costs, check out our comprehensive guide on how to save money on Trileptal.

New Options for Patients in 2026

If you're struggling with Trileptal availability or cost, there are some newer developments worth knowing about:

More Generic Manufacturers

The number of companies producing generic Oxcarbazepine has grown in recent years, which generally improves availability and drives down costs. Competition among generic manufacturers tends to benefit patients over time.

Discount Programs and Patient Assistance

Novartis, the maker of brand-name Trileptal, offers a co-pay savings card for eligible commercially insured patients. The Novartis Patient Assistance Foundation (NPAF) also provides Trileptal at no cost to qualifying uninsured or underinsured patients.

Additionally, discount card programs like GoodRx, SingleCare, and RxSaver can significantly reduce the cost of generic Oxcarbazepine — sometimes bringing it below your insurance copay.

Telehealth Access

Many neurologists and primary care providers now offer telehealth appointments, making it easier to get prescription adjustments or discuss alternatives without an in-person visit. If your local pharmacy is out of stock and you need your doctor to send the prescription to a different pharmacy, a quick telehealth visit can save you time. Learn more about finding a prescriber in our guide on how to find a doctor who can prescribe Trileptal.

How to Find Trileptal in Stock Right Now

Here are the steps we recommend:

1. Check Medfinder: Visit Medfinder.com to see which pharmacies near you have Oxcarbazepine in stock right now.
2. Try independent pharmacies: They often have different suppliers than chain pharmacies and may have stock when the big stores don't.
3. Ask about other strengths: If your usual strength isn't available, your doctor may be able to adjust the prescription (e.g., two 300 mg tablets instead of one 600 mg).
4. Consider mail-order: Mail-order pharmacies typically maintain larger inventories and can ship a 90-day supply to your door.
5. Talk to your doctor: If you can't find Trileptal anywhere, your doctor can discuss alternative medications that may be more readily available.

Final Thoughts

While there's no official Trileptal shortage in 2026, real-world availability can still be unpredictable. The best thing you can do is plan ahead — refill your prescription early, check stock with Medfinder, and keep an open line of communication with your doctor and pharmacist.

For more information about Trileptal, including side effects and drug interactions, visit our guides on Trileptal side effects and Trileptal drug interactions.