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

If You're Searching for Brexafemme, You're Not Alone

You finally got a prescription for Brexafemme (Ibrexafungerp) — the first-in-class oral antifungal for vaginal yeast infections — and now you can't find it anywhere. Your pharmacy says it's out of stock. You've called around. Nobody has it.

You're not imagining things. Brexafemme has been extremely difficult to find since late 2023, and the situation has continued into 2026. In this post, we'll explain exactly why Brexafemme is so hard to find, what's happening behind the scenes, and what steps you can take right now.

What Is Brexafemme?

Brexafemme is the brand name for Ibrexafungerp, a prescription antifungal medication approved by the FDA in June 2021. It belongs to a new class of drugs called triterpenoid antifungals that work by inhibiting an enzyme called glucan synthase, which is essential for building the fungal cell wall.

It is FDA-approved for two uses:

• Treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) — commonly known as vaginal yeast infections — in adult and postmenarchal females
• Reduction in the incidence of recurrent VVC (RVVC) — for women who get frequent yeast infections

Brexafemme was a big deal when it launched because it was the first non-azole oral antifungal approved for yeast infections in over 20 years. For women who couldn't take Fluconazole (Diflucan) or didn't respond to it, Brexafemme offered a truly new option. To learn more about the drug itself, see our guide on what Brexafemme is, its uses, and dosage.

Why Is Brexafemme So Hard to Find?

There are several overlapping reasons why Brexafemme has been nearly impossible to fill since 2023. Here's what happened:

1. A Nationwide Voluntary Recall

In 2023, Scynexis, Inc. — the company that makes Brexafemme — issued a voluntary nationwide recall of the drug. The recall affected two lots (LF21000008 and LF22000051) due to a potential cross-contamination with a non-antibacterial beta-lactam drug substance during manufacturing. This pulled existing supply off pharmacy shelves and out of distribution channels.

2. A 19-Month FDA Clinical Hold

Following the recall, the FDA placed a clinical hold on Brexafemme that lasted approximately 19 months. During this time, Scynexis could not manufacture new batches or run clinical trials. The hold was finally lifted in May 2025, but by then, the drug had been unavailable for well over a year.

3. The Transition From Scynexis to GSK

Scynexis originally developed and marketed Brexafemme, but the company licensed commercialization rights to GSK (GlaxoSmithKline). As of late 2025, Scynexis was in the process of transferring the Brexafemme NDA (New Drug Application) to GSK. Until that transfer is complete and GSK can engage with the FDA about restarting commercial production, Brexafemme remains off the market.

4. No Generic Alternative Exists

Because Brexafemme is a relatively new, first-in-class medication, there is no generic version of Ibrexafungerp available. This means there's no backup manufacturer that can step in and produce the drug while the brand resolves its supply issues.

What Is the Current Status in 2026?

As of early 2026, Brexafemme is listed as temporarily unavailable by the ASHP (American Society of Health-System Pharmacists) drug shortage database. Scynexis has stated they cannot estimate when the product will return to the market. GSK is expected to begin regulatory discussions with the FDA in 2026 to determine a path back to commercial availability.

For the latest shortage details, check out our Brexafemme shortage update for 2026.

What Can You Do If You Need Brexafemme?

While the wait for Brexafemme's return is frustrating, there are several steps you can take:

Use Medfinder to Check Pharmacy Availability

Even when a drug is listed as "temporarily unavailable" at the manufacturer level, individual pharmacies sometimes still have stock from prior shipments. Use Medfinder to search for Brexafemme availability at pharmacies near you in real time. You can also read our tips on how to find Brexafemme in stock.

Talk to Your Doctor About Alternatives

If Brexafemme isn't available, your doctor can help you find an effective alternative. The most common options include:

• Fluconazole (Diflucan) — the standard oral antifungal for yeast infections, widely available as a generic for $4 to $15
• Miconazole (Monistat) — an over-the-counter topical cream or suppository
• Clotrimazole — another OTC topical antifungal
• Oteseconazole (Vivjoa) — a newer oral azole approved for preventing recurrent yeast infections

For a deeper look at your options, see our post on alternatives to Brexafemme.

Call Independent and Specialty Pharmacies

Large chain pharmacies often share the same supply chain, so if one location is out, nearby chains may be too. Independent pharmacies sometimes source from different wholesalers and may have stock that chains don't. Specialty pharmacies that focus on women's health or infectious disease may also be worth contacting.

Ask Your Doctor to Monitor for Return

Let your prescriber know you're having trouble filling your prescription. They may be able to set up an alert or check back with manufacturer reps about when Brexafemme will be restocked.

Final Thoughts

Brexafemme was a genuinely groundbreaking medication — the first new class of oral antifungal for vaginal yeast infections in over two decades. Unfortunately, a recall, a lengthy FDA hold, and a corporate transition have kept it off pharmacy shelves since 2023.

If you're struggling to find it, you have options. Check Medfinder for real-time availability, talk to your doctor about alternatives, and stay informed about the drug's expected return. The situation is evolving, and we'll continue to update our coverage as new information becomes available.