Is Vimpat Still in Shortage in 2026?

If you or a loved one depends on Vimpat (Lacosamide) for seizure control, questions about drug shortages hit close to home. A gap in your medication isn't just inconvenient — it can be dangerous.

Here's the current picture: as of early 2026, Vimpat oral tablets and generic Lacosamide are generally available. There is no active FDA-listed shortage for oral formulations. However, that doesn't mean every pharmacy has it on the shelf at all times. Spot shortages — temporary, localized stock-outs — can still happen, and certain formulations like the IV solution have been more prone to disruptions historically.

Let's break down what's going on, why you might still have trouble finding Vimpat, and what your options are.

A Brief History of Vimpat Supply Issues

Vimpat has had a relatively stable supply history compared to some other medications, but it hasn't been immune to disruptions:

• 2020-2021: The Vimpat IV solution experienced intermittent shortages during COVID-related manufacturing disruptions. Hospital supply was particularly affected.
• 2022: Generic Lacosamide entered the market, significantly expanding supply. Multiple generic manufacturers now produce Lacosamide tablets.
• 2023-2025: Oral tablet supply has been largely stable, though some patients reported difficulty finding specific strengths (particularly 50 mg and 150 mg) at chain pharmacies.

The entry of generics in 2022 was a game-changer. With multiple manufacturers producing Lacosamide, the overall supply is much more robust than when UCB was the sole source.

Why Vimpat Can Still Be Hard to Find

Even without a formal shortage, you may encounter these obstacles:

Controlled Substance Stocking Limits

Vimpat is a Schedule V controlled substance, which means pharmacies face regulatory limits on ordering. Some pharmacies — particularly those with fewer epilepsy patients — may not keep it in regular inventory.

Brand vs. Generic Stocking

Most pharmacies now stock generic Lacosamide rather than brand-name Vimpat. If your prescription says "dispense as written" for brand Vimpat, your pharmacy may need to special-order it. This can take 1-3 days.

Distributor Allocation

Pharmaceutical distributors sometimes allocate controlled substances based on a pharmacy's historical ordering patterns. A pharmacy that hasn't ordered Vimpat recently may face limits on how much it can order.

For a deeper dive into these issues, read our article on why Vimpat is hard to find in 2026.

What Does Vimpat Cost in 2026?

Cost remains a significant factor for many patients:

• Brand-name Vimpat: Approximately $900 to $1,500 per month without insurance (30-day supply)
• Generic Lacosamide: Approximately $30 to $150 per month without insurance, depending on dose and pharmacy
• With insurance: Copays for generic Lacosamide typically range from $10 to $50 per month on most commercial plans

The price difference between brand and generic is dramatic. If cost is a barrier, switching to generic Lacosamide can save you hundreds of dollars per month. See our complete guide to saving money on Vimpat for coupons, discount cards, and assistance programs.

New Options and Developments

Several positive developments have improved the Vimpat landscape in recent years:

• Multiple generic manufacturers now produce Lacosamide tablets, creating competitive pricing and more reliable supply
• UCB's savings programs continue to help commercially insured patients afford brand-name Vimpat, with eligible patients paying as little as $0 per prescription
• The UCB Patient Assistance Program (UCB Cares) provides free Vimpat to qualifying uninsured and underinsured patients
• Pharmacy tools like Medfinder make it easier than ever to find pharmacies with Vimpat in stock

How to Find Vimpat in Stock

If you're currently having trouble finding Vimpat, here are your best moves:

1. Search on Medfinder — check real-time pharmacy availability near you
2. Ask about generic Lacosamide — it's more widely stocked and much cheaper
3. Try independent pharmacies — they often have more flexible ordering
4. Request early refills — give your pharmacy 7-10 days to order if needed
5. Consider mail-order pharmacy — 90-day supplies can prevent monthly stock worries

For detailed strategies, check out our guide on how to find Vimpat in stock near you.

Final Thoughts

The Vimpat supply picture in 2026 is much better than it was a few years ago. Generic Lacosamide has transformed both availability and affordability. While localized stock-outs can still happen — especially for brand-name Vimpat or less common strengths — the medication is generally findable with some effort.

Stay proactive: refill early, use Medfinder to check stock, keep generic as an option, and talk to your doctor if you're having persistent trouble. Consistent access to your seizure medication is critical, and there are more resources available now than ever before.