Amphotericin B is hard to find in 2026 due to manufacturing delays and limited suppliers. Learn why this critical antifungal is in shortage and what you can do.
You've been prescribed Amphotericin B — one of the most powerful antifungal medications available — and now you're hearing that it's out of stock. Your pharmacy can't get it. Your hospital is rationing it. You're wondering what's going on.
You're not imagining things. Amphotericin B has been one of the hardest medications to find in the United States for several years now, and the situation in 2026 continues to be challenging. In this article, we'll explain exactly why Amphotericin B is so difficult to find and what steps you can take to get the treatment you need.
Amphotericin B is a polyene antifungal medication that has been used for over 50 years to treat serious, life-threatening fungal infections. It works by binding to ergosterol in the fungal cell membrane, creating holes that kill the fungus.
It's prescribed for conditions like:
Amphotericin B comes in several formulations, including the conventional deoxycholate form (the original), liposomal Amphotericin B (AmBisome), and the lipid complex (Abelcet). All are given intravenously in hospitals or infusion centers.
For a complete overview of this medication, check out our guide on what Amphotericin B is, its uses, and dosage.
There are several reasons this critical medication remains difficult to source. Let's break them down.
One of the biggest factors is that Amphotericin B has an extremely limited number of manufacturers. For the conventional deoxycholate formulation, X-Gen Pharmaceuticals is the sole supplier of the lyophilized powder for injection in the U.S. When a single manufacturer has production problems, there's no backup supplier to pick up the slack.
Similarly, Leadiant Biosciences is the sole manufacturer of Abelcet (the lipid complex), and that product has also been on back order with no estimated release date.
Amphotericin B is not an easy drug to manufacture. The production process for sterile injectable medications is complex and heavily regulated. X-Gen has experienced manufacturing delays that have led to extended periods where the conventional formulation simply isn't available.
Unlike a pill that can be made in large batches relatively quickly, sterile IV medications require specialized facilities, rigorous quality control, and lengthy production timelines.
Demand for Amphotericin B surged during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly due to the wave of COVID-19-associated mucormycosis (sometimes called "black fungus") that hit many countries in 2021. While that acute surge has passed, the drug's role in treating opportunistic infections in immunocompromised patients means demand remains high — especially as more patients receive organ transplants, chemotherapy, and other immunosuppressive treatments.
Amphotericin B is an older, generic medication. The conventional formulation costs around $49 to $70 per vial — which may sound like a lot, but in the pharmaceutical world, it's a low-margin product. There's limited financial incentive for new manufacturers to invest in the complex production infrastructure needed to make sterile injectable antifungals.
Here's some relatively good news: Liposomal Amphotericin B (AmBisome) has generally not been affected by the shortage. However, it's significantly more expensive — with prices ranging from $300 to over $1,200 per vial — and a full treatment course can cost tens of thousands of dollars.
Abelcet (the lipid complex) has also experienced availability issues, with Leadiant Biosciences reporting back orders with no estimated resupply date.
If you or a loved one needs Amphotericin B and you're having trouble finding it, here are some practical steps:
Your infectious disease specialist or prescribing physician is your best resource. They can:
Tools like Medfinder can help you search for pharmacies and hospitals that currently have Amphotericin B in stock. Learn more in our guide on how to find Amphotericin B in stock near you.
If the conventional formulation isn't available, your doctor may be able to switch you to liposomal Amphotericin B (AmBisome), which has generally remained available. While more expensive, insurance typically covers it — especially when the conventional form is unavailable.
If your provider recommends a switch to a lipid formulation, call your insurance company proactively to discuss coverage and prior authorization. Many insurers have expedited processes during documented drug shortages.
While there are no formal manufacturer assistance programs for Amphotericin B, organizations like NeedyMeds and RxAssist can help identify financial assistance options. Hospital financial counselors can also help navigate costs. For more on saving money, see our guide on how to save money on Amphotericin B.
Amphotericin B is a life-saving medication, and the ongoing shortage is a serious problem for patients fighting dangerous fungal infections. The root causes — limited manufacturers, complex production, and low economic incentives — aren't quick fixes.
But you have options. Work closely with your medical team, explore alternative formulations, and use tools like Medfinder to track down supply. The shortage is real, but with the right approach, you can still get the treatment you need.
For the latest on the shortage situation, check out our Amphotericin B shortage update for 2026.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
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