Verapamil Shortage Update: What Patients Need to Know in 2026

Verapamil has been a trusted heart medication for decades — and its supply disruptions have been a source of frustration for patients and pharmacists alike. If you're taking verapamil for blood pressure, a heart rhythm condition, or cluster headache prevention, here's what the 2026 supply picture looks like and what you need to know to keep your treatment on track.

Is Verapamil in Shortage Right Now in 2026?

As of 2026, most oral verapamil formulations are not on the FDA's active drug shortage list. Multiple manufacturers supply immediate-release verapamil tablets and extended-release versions, which has reduced the risk of a widespread national shortage. However, this doesn't mean your pharmacy will always have exactly what you need. Localized shortages — where individual pharmacies or regional wholesalers run out of specific strengths — still occur regularly.

The formulations most likely to cause problems in 2026 are the extended-release capsules (Verelan and Verelan PM), which have fewer generic manufacturers and are more expensive. The Verelan PM 200 mg capsule, for example, has historically been hard to find at retail.

The Shortage History: How Did We Get Here?

To understand verapamil availability today, it helps to know what happened in recent years:

2015–2016: Verapamil injection (IV form) experienced a significant shortage. Hospira — the sole supplier at the time — could not keep up with demand. Hospitals had to implement conservation protocols. The shortage resolved when supply stabilized.

June 2021: Mylan (now Viatris) discontinued its entire line of verapamil extended-release tablets. Mylan had been a major generic supplier, and its exit reduced competition significantly. The ASHP Drug Shortage database documented multiple discontinued Mylan NDC numbers for the 120 mg, 180 mg, and 240 mg ER tablet strengths.

Post-2021: Glenmark and other generic manufacturers expanded their verapamil ER tablet production. Pfizer continues to supply Calan SR (the brand ER tablet). The market has gradually restabilized for the most common ER tablet strengths.

Which Verapamil Formulations Are at Greatest Risk?

Not all verapamil products carry the same supply risk. Here's a 2026 snapshot:

Lowest risk — Immediate-release tablets (40 mg, 80 mg, 120 mg): Multiple generic manufacturers; widely available at most pharmacies.

Moderate risk — Extended-release tablets (120–240 mg): Available from Pfizer (Calan SR) and Glenmark generic. Most strengths available nationally, though some ZIP codes see gaps.

Higher risk — Extended-release capsules (Verelan, Verelan PM): Fewer generic manufacturers. Some strengths (especially 200 mg/24 hr and 300 mg/24 hr) have limited availability and high retail prices.

Variable — IV injection: Pfizer/Hospira supplies remain the primary source. Typically a concern only in hospital/institutional settings.

What Should Patients Do Right Now?

Even if a national shortage isn't active, it's smart to be proactive:

Don't wait until you're completely out to refill. Request a refill when you have 7–10 days of supply remaining.

If your pharmacy is out of your strength, ask if they can order it within 1–3 business days.

Consider switching to a 90-day mail-order supply if your insurance allows it — mail-order pharmacies typically maintain larger inventories.

Use medfinder to check multiple pharmacies near you quickly without spending time on hold.

Can I Switch to a Different Manufacturer's Generic?

Yes. Generic verapamil tablets and capsules from different manufacturers are considered bioequivalent by the FDA — meaning they deliver the same active ingredient in the same amount. If your pharmacy carries a generic from a different manufacturer than you're used to, it should work the same way. If you notice differences in how you feel, let your doctor know.

Where to Find Real-Time Verapamil Availability

The most reliable way to check real-time availability is to use medfinder — a paid service that calls pharmacies near you and reports back on stock. You can also check the FDA Drug Shortages Database (accessdata.fda.gov) for nationally-reported shortages. For context on past shortages, see our guide: Why Is Verapamil Hard to Find?.