The Vancomycin Shortage Isn't Over — Here's What You Need to Know

If you or a loved one depends on Vancomycin, you've likely noticed it's been harder to find. The Vancomycin shortage — particularly for the IV injection form — has been ongoing since 2023, and it continues to affect patients and hospitals across the country in 2026.

In this update, we'll cover the current state of the shortage, why it's happening, what Vancomycin costs right now, and what you can do to get your prescription filled.

Is Vancomycin Still in Shortage in 2026?

Yes. As of early 2026, Vancomycin Hydrochloride Injection remains on the ASHP (American Society of Health-System Pharmacists) drug shortage list. Multiple manufacturers are experiencing supply constraints:

• Fresenius Kabi has limited supply with some short-dated vials (expiring before June 2026)
• Pfizer/Hospira has experienced intermittent availability
• Hikma and Xellia have also reported supply disruptions

The oral forms — capsules (Vancocin) and oral solution (Firvanq) — are generally more available than the IV form, but some pharmacies may still have difficulty stocking them consistently.

Why Is Vancomycin Hard to Find?

Several factors have combined to create this ongoing shortage:

• Manufacturing disruptions: Quality control issues and production delays at multiple facilities have reduced the overall supply of Vancomycin injection
• Rising demand: Antibiotic-resistant infections, particularly MRSA, continue to increase, driving up hospital use of Vancomycin
• Few manufacturers: Only a handful of companies produce Vancomycin injection in the U.S., making the supply chain vulnerable to disruptions at any single plant
• Raw material constraints: Vancomycin production relies on fermentation processes that are complex and difficult to scale quickly

For a more detailed breakdown, read our post on why Vancomycin is so hard to find in 2026.

How Much Does Vancomycin Cost in 2026?

Vancomycin costs vary widely depending on the form and where you buy it:

Oral Capsules (125 mg, 40 capsules — typical C. diff course)

• Cash price without insurance: $500 to $4,469 for brand-name Vancocin
• Generic with coupon: As low as $39 to $120 using GoodRx or SingleCare discount cards

Oral Solution (Firvanq, 150 mL)

• Cash price: $122 to $593
• With coupon: As low as $43 to $122

IV Vancomycin

• Typically administered in hospital or infusion center settings and billed as part of the facility charges
• Not usually purchased at retail pharmacies

For ways to reduce your costs, see our complete guide on how to save money on Vancomycin in 2026.

Are There New Options Available?

While no new Vancomycin formulations have launched recently, patients do have several options:

• Generic Vancomycin capsules: Multiple generic manufacturers produce these, and they're significantly cheaper than the brand-name Vancocin
• Firvanq oral solution: Made by Azurity Pharmaceuticals, this pre-mixed oral solution can be easier to take than capsules and is available by prescription
• Compounded oral solution: Some pharmacies can prepare an oral Vancomycin solution from IV powder, which may be more readily available during the shortage
• Alternative antibiotics: For some infections, alternatives like Fidaxomicin, Linezolid, or Daptomycin may be appropriate. See our guide on Vancomycin alternatives

How to Find Vancomycin in Stock

Here are the most effective strategies for locating Vancomycin right now:

1. Use Medfinder: Check medfinder.com for real-time pharmacy availability near your zip code
2. Call independent pharmacies: They often have access to different distributors and may have stock when chain pharmacies don't
3. Contact your hospital: Hospital pharmacies have institutional supply channels and may be able to help, especially for IV Vancomycin
4. Ask about compounding: Compounding pharmacies may be able to prepare oral Vancomycin from IV powder
5. Check back frequently: Shortage situations change daily. A pharmacy that was out yesterday may have received a shipment today

For more detailed tips, read how to find Vancomycin in stock near you.

Final Thoughts

The Vancomycin shortage continues to be a challenge for patients in 2026, but it's important to know that the drug is still being manufactured and is available at many locations. The key is being proactive: use tools like Medfinder, explore all pharmacy options, talk to your doctor about alternatives if needed, and look into discount programs to manage costs.

If you're a healthcare provider looking for clinical guidance on managing the shortage, see our provider-focused update: Vancomycin shortage: what providers and prescribers need to know in 2026.