Struggling to find Buprenorphine/Naloxone in stock? Learn why this medication is hard to find in 2026, what's causing supply issues, and what you can do.
You finally made the decision to get treatment for opioid use disorder. Your doctor wrote you a prescription for Buprenorphine/Naloxone — commonly known by the brand name Suboxone — and you drove to the pharmacy expecting to pick it up. But the pharmacist told you they don't have it in stock. Or worse, they told you they don't carry it at all.
This is an incredibly frustrating experience, and it happens far more often than it should. In 2026, patients across the country continue to face obstacles when trying to fill their Buprenorphine/Naloxone prescriptions. Let's break down why this medication is so hard to find and what you can do about it.
Buprenorphine/Naloxone is a prescription medication used to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). It combines two active ingredients:
Buprenorphine/Naloxone is classified as a Schedule III controlled substance by the DEA. It's available as sublingual films (like Suboxone Film), sublingual tablets (like Zubsolv and generics), and buccal films (like Bunavail). The most common maintenance dose is 16mg/4mg per day, though your doctor may prescribe a different amount based on your needs.
This medication is one of the most effective treatments for opioid addiction. Research shows it reduces the risk of fatal overdose by about 50%. So when patients can't find it, the consequences can be serious.
There are several reasons why you might struggle to find Buprenorphine/Naloxone at your local pharmacy in 2026. Here are the biggest ones:
Because Buprenorphine/Naloxone is a Schedule III controlled substance, the DEA sets limits on how much each pharmacy can order. These quotas are designed to prevent diversion, but they also mean that a busy pharmacy treating many OUD patients can run out of their allotment before the end of the month. Once they hit their limit, they literally cannot order more — even if patients are waiting.
Let's be honest: stigma around addiction treatment is still a major barrier. Some pharmacies choose not to stock Buprenorphine/Naloxone at all, or they keep very limited quantities on hand. Chain pharmacies in particular have been known to have restrictive policies around dispensing controlled substances for OUD. This isn't based on medical evidence — it's based on outdated attitudes about addiction.
While Buprenorphine/Naloxone is not on the FDA's official drug shortage list as of early 2026, localized supply disruptions still happen. Some generic manufacturers experience production delays, and not every pharmacy works with every distributor. If your pharmacy's usual supplier is temporarily out, it may take days or weeks to source the medication from another channel.
If you live in a rural area, your options may be extremely limited. Rural communities often have fewer pharmacies overall, and those pharmacies may be less likely to stock Buprenorphine/Naloxone due to lower demand or the reasons mentioned above. Urban areas generally have more options, but even city pharmacies can run out during high-demand periods.
The good news is that you have options. Here's what to try:
Instead of calling pharmacy after pharmacy, use Medfinder to search for Buprenorphine/Naloxone availability near you. Medfinder shows you which pharmacies have the medication in stock right now, saving you time and frustration.
Independent pharmacies are often more willing to stock Buprenorphine/Naloxone and work with OUD patients than large chain pharmacies. They may also have more flexibility with their ordering and can sometimes get the medication faster. Ask your prescriber if they know of any independent pharmacies in your area that regularly fill this medication.
If you truly cannot find Buprenorphine/Naloxone, talk to your prescriber about other options. Alternatives include Methadone, Naltrexone (Vivitrol), Sublocade, and Brixadi — though each has different requirements and may not be right for everyone.
Telehealth has made it much easier to access Buprenorphine/Naloxone treatment. Many telehealth providers specialize in addiction medicine and can prescribe the medication remotely. Some even have relationships with pharmacies that reliably stock it. Learn more about finding a prescriber near you.
If one pharmacy says no, keep trying. Your prescription is valid and you have every right to fill it. If you feel a pharmacy is discriminating against you because of the type of medication, you can report the issue to your state pharmacy board.
Buprenorphine/Naloxone is a life-saving medication that helps hundreds of thousands of Americans manage opioid use disorder every day. The fact that it's still hard to find in 2026 reflects ongoing challenges with DEA regulations, pharmacy stigma, and supply chain logistics — not a problem with the medication itself.
If you're struggling to fill your prescription, tools like Medfinder can help you locate pharmacies with stock near you. You can also explore ways to save money on Buprenorphine/Naloxone and stay updated on the latest shortage information.
You deserve access to the treatment that works for you. Don't let pharmacy availability stand in the way of your recovery.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
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