Acamprosate is in an active shortage in 2026. Learn why this alcohol dependence medication is so hard to find and what you can do to get your prescription filled.
You've been doing everything right — staying sober, going to your appointments, following your treatment plan — and then your pharmacy tells you they can't fill your Acamprosate prescription. It's frustrating, and it's happening to thousands of patients across the country in 2026.
Acamprosate (brand name Campral) has been in an active drug shortage that's made it increasingly difficult to find at pharmacies. If you've been turned away or told to "try again next week," this article explains exactly what's going on and what you can do about it.
Acamprosate Calcium is an FDA-approved medication used to help people with alcohol use disorder maintain sobriety after they've stopped drinking. It works by restoring the balance between excitatory and inhibitory brain chemicals (glutamate and GABA) that get disrupted by chronic alcohol use.
The typical dose is two 333 mg delayed-release tablets taken three times daily — that's six tablets every day. It's not a controlled substance, it doesn't interact with many other medications, and it has a strong safety profile. For many people in recovery, it's an essential part of their treatment.
There are several reasons Acamprosate has become difficult to locate at pharmacies. Here's what's driving the shortage:
Zydus Pharmaceuticals, one of the key generic manufacturers, has temporarily discontinued production of Acamprosate 333 mg tablets. When one manufacturer drops out of a small market, it puts enormous pressure on the remaining suppliers.
The original brand-name version, Campral, was discontinued by its manufacturer (Forest/Allergan) years ago. That means the entire supply depends on a handful of generic manufacturers — and when even one stops producing, the ripple effect is significant.
Acamprosate is a relatively low-cost generic medication that treats a specific condition. Compared to blockbuster drugs, there's less financial incentive for manufacturers to ramp up production or enter the market. This means fewer companies make it, and supply is fragile.
Ongoing disruptions in pharmaceutical supply chains — from raw material sourcing to manufacturing capacity — continue to affect many generic medications. Acamprosate is caught in this broader trend that has led to hundreds of drug shortages across the U.S.
Don't panic, and don't stop your recovery plan. Here are practical steps you can take right now:
Medfinder lets you search for Acamprosate availability at pharmacies near you. Instead of calling pharmacy after pharmacy, you can check stock levels in one place and find where the medication is actually available.
Big chain pharmacies often run out first because they serve more patients. Independent pharmacies and specialty pharmacies that focus on behavioral health may have better access to Acamprosate through different wholesale distributors.
If Acamprosate is truly unavailable in your area, there are other FDA-approved medications for alcohol use disorder, including Naltrexone (oral or injectable) and Disulfiram. Your prescriber can help determine which alternative might work for your situation.
Some pharmacies can place a special order from their wholesaler. It may take a few extra days, but your pharmacist might be able to secure a supply that isn't available on the regular shelf.
Mail-order pharmacies sometimes have access to stock that local retail pharmacies don't. If your insurance covers mail-order prescriptions, this can be a reliable backup option.
Unfortunately, there's no clear end date for the Acamprosate shortage. The ASHP (American Society of Health-System Pharmacists) lists it as an active shortage, and manufacturer timelines for resuming production are uncertain. For the latest updates, check our Acamprosate shortage update for 2026.
The Acamprosate shortage is a real problem, but it doesn't have to derail your recovery. By using tools like Medfinder, exploring alternative pharmacies, and staying in close communication with your prescriber, you can find a path forward. Your sobriety matters, and there are options available — even when your usual pharmacy is out of stock.
If cost is also a concern, read our guide on how to save money on Acamprosate in 2026.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
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