Vazalore Shortage Update: What Patients Need to Know in 2026

If you rely on Vazalore — the liquid-filled aspirin capsule — for daily cardiovascular protection, you've likely noticed it's not always easy to find at your local pharmacy. Patients across the country have been dealing with intermittent shortages and out-of-stock situations since 2022, with the problem intensifying following PLx Pharma's April 2023 bankruptcy filing. Here's what's happening and what it means for you in 2026.

Is Vazalore Officially in a Drug Shortage?

As of 2026, the FDA has not listed Vazalore on its official drug shortage database. This means the supply issues are classified as a commercial availability and distribution problem rather than a formal declared shortage. That distinction matters because a declared FDA shortage triggers specific reporting requirements and alternative sourcing support — none of which apply to Vazalore right now.

However, "not on the FDA shortage list" doesn't mean "easy to find." Patients and pharmacists across the country report that Vazalore — especially the 325 mg strength — is frequently out of stock at retail pharmacies, and has been since 2023.

What Caused the Vazalore Supply Problems?

Several overlapping factors contributed to Vazalore's availability problems:

PLx Pharma Chapter 11 Bankruptcy (April 2023): The original developer and manufacturer of Vazalore filed for bankruptcy protection in April 2023 and sold its assets to Greenwood Brands, LLC. Corporate restructurings of this kind almost always disrupt manufacturing schedules, distribution contracts, and inventory management.

Complex Manufacturing Process: Vazalore uses a proprietary phospholipid-aspirin liquid formulation (PLxGuard technology). This liquid-in-capsule format is significantly more complex to manufacture than standard aspirin tablets and requires specialized equipment and quality controls. Scaling production is not a simple task.

No Generic Competition: Because Vazalore's formulation is patented, there are no generic alternatives. When supply runs low, there's no fallback generic that pharmacies can stock instead.

Demand Exceeding Supply: Cardiologist recommendation of Vazalore grew rapidly after its 2021 launch, outpacing the manufacturer's production capacity — particularly during the winter months when cardiovascular awareness spikes.

What Is the Current Status of Vazalore Supply in 2026?

In 2026, Vazalore continues to be manufactured and distributed by Greenwood Brands. The 81 mg dose is more consistently available than the 325 mg. Availability is highly variable by region — some patients in major cities can find it without difficulty, while patients in smaller markets may face weeks of scarcity. Online retailers (Amazon, Walmart.com) tend to have more consistent inventory than brick-and-mortar pharmacies.

Will the Shortage Get Better?

The transition to Greenwood Brands has been ongoing, and the new ownership has the incentive to stabilize and expand production. However, the liquid-filled capsule manufacturing process limits how quickly output can be ramped up. Patients should not expect the supply to be as reliable as a standard generic medication anytime soon.

What Should Patients Do Right Now?

Given the ongoing supply variability, here's the most practical advice for Vazalore patients in 2026:

Stock up when you find it. Since it's OTC, you can buy a 90-day supply at once. Check the expiration date and buy the freshest boxes available.

Use medfinder. medfinder calls pharmacies near you to check which ones have Vazalore in stock today, saving you hours of calling around.

Have a backup plan with your doctor. Ask your cardiologist or PCP what to take if Vazalore is unavailable for more than a few days. Most will recommend enteric-coated aspirin as a bridge.

Check online. Amazon and Walmart.com often have Vazalore when local pharmacies don't. Consider delivery if your local stock is unreliable.

Never Stop Aspirin Therapy Abruptly

The most important message for any patient taking Vazalore for heart attack or stroke prevention: do not simply stop taking it if you can't find Vazalore. Contact your doctor immediately and transition to an alternative. Read our full guide on Vazalore alternatives for details on what your options are.