Why Is Alitretinoin So Hard to Find? [Explained for 2026]

If You're Struggling to Find Alitretinoin, You're Not Alone

You've been prescribed Alitretinoin — sold under the brand name Panretin Gel — and you've called pharmacy after pharmacy with no luck. The medication that's supposed to help manage your Kaposi sarcoma lesions is nowhere to be found. It's frustrating, it's stressful, and unfortunately, it's a reality many patients are dealing with in 2026.

The good news? There are real reasons behind the shortage, and there are steps you can take right now to improve your chances of finding it. Let's break it all down.

What Is Alitretinoin?

Alitretinoin is a topical retinoid — a form of vitamin A — that comes as a 0.1% gel under the brand name Panretin. It was approved by the FDA in 1999 for the treatment of skin lesions caused by AIDS-related Kaposi sarcoma (KS). It works by activating all six retinoid receptors in the body, which helps slow down the growth of cancer cells on the skin.

Panretin Gel is applied directly to Kaposi sarcoma lesions, typically two to four times per day. It's not taken by mouth, and it's not intended for use when more aggressive systemic treatment is needed. For many patients with localized KS, though, it's an important part of their treatment plan.

To learn more about the drug itself, check out our guide on what Alitretinoin is, its uses, and dosage information.

Why Is Alitretinoin So Hard to Find?

There are several reasons why Alitretinoin has become difficult to locate in 2026. Here's what's happening behind the scenes:

1. Manufacturing Issues Have Disrupted Supply

The most significant factor is a manufacturing issue that led to a drug shortage starting in 2025. Panretin Gel is made by Advanz Pharma, and production problems have severely limited the amount of product reaching pharmacies. This isn't a demand issue — it's a supply issue at the factory level.

2. No Generic Version Exists

As of 2026, there is no FDA-approved generic version of Panretin. That means every patient in the United States relies on a single manufacturer for their supply. When that one source has a production problem, the entire market is affected. There's no backup.

3. It's a Specialty Medication With Limited Distribution

Panretin Gel isn't the kind of medication your local chain pharmacy stocks on its shelves. It's a high-cost specialty drug — often $6,000 to $7,500 per tube — that's typically distributed through specialty pharmacies. This limited distribution makes it harder to locate even under normal circumstances.

4. FDA Has Allowed EU-Labeled Product to Fill the Gap

The shortage became serious enough that in December 2025, the FDA took the unusual step of allowing EU-approved Panretin Gel tubes to be sold in the United States. While this helps, the imported supply is still limited and may not be available at every pharmacy.

For a broader look at the current shortage, read our Alitretinoin shortage update for patients.

What You Can Do to Find Alitretinoin

Being proactive is the key. Here are practical steps you can take right now:

Use Medfinder to Check Pharmacy Availability

Medfinder helps you search for medications that are in stock near you. Instead of calling pharmacy after pharmacy, you can check availability in one place. This is especially helpful for hard-to-find specialty medications like Panretin.

Ask Your Doctor About Specialty Pharmacies

Your prescriber may have relationships with specialty pharmacies that stock oncology medications. Ask your oncologist or dermatologist if they can recommend a specific pharmacy or help facilitate the order. Many specialty pharmacies can ship directly to your home.

Contact Eisai's Patient Assistance Program

Eisai, which distributes Panretin in the US, has a Patient Assistance Program that may help with both access and cost. If you're having trouble finding or affording the medication, reaching out to them directly could open up options you didn't know existed.

Explore Alternative Treatments With Your Doctor

If Alitretinoin remains unavailable, talk to your provider about alternatives. Depending on your situation, options like intralesional Vinblastine, Imiquimod (Aldara), or Timolol may be appropriate for managing localized Kaposi sarcoma lesions. Learn more in our post on alternatives to Alitretinoin.

Check Back Regularly

Supply situations change. Pharmacies that were out of stock last week may have received a shipment this week. Keep checking — and use tools like Medfinder to check if a pharmacy has Alitretinoin in stock so you don't waste time on phone calls.

Final Thoughts

Finding Alitretinoin in 2026 is genuinely difficult, but it's not impossible. The shortage is driven by manufacturing issues and the lack of a generic alternative — factors that are out of your control. What is in your control is how you respond: using the right tools, working closely with your healthcare team, and staying informed about your options.

If you need help locating Alitretinoin right now, start your search on Medfinder. And if cost is also a concern, we've put together a full guide on how to save money on Alitretinoin.