Cefepime has been in shortage since 2022. Learn why this critical IV antibiotic is so hard to find in 2026 and what you can do about it.
Cefepime is one of the most important antibiotics used in hospitals across the United States. It treats life-threatening infections — from pneumonia to sepsis to febrile neutropenia in cancer patients. But since 2022, hospitals, clinics, and patients have been struggling to find a reliable supply.
If you or a loved one has been told that Cefepime is unavailable, on backorder, or that your treatment plan needs to change because of a shortage, this article explains what's going on and what you can do about it.
Cefepime (brand name Maxipime) is a fourth-generation cephalosporin antibiotic. It belongs to the beta-lactam family of antibiotics and works by disrupting bacterial cell wall synthesis, which kills the bacteria causing your infection.
Cefepime is FDA-approved to treat:
It's given through an IV (intravenous) line or occasionally as an intramuscular (IM) injection, almost always in a hospital or infusion center. To learn more about what Cefepime is and how it's used, check out our complete guide to Cefepime.
There isn't one single reason Cefepime is in short supply. It's a combination of factors that have created a perfect storm for this essential medication.
Cefepime is a sterile injectable drug, which means it has to be manufactured in specialized facilities under extremely strict conditions. Even small contamination events or equipment failures can shut down production lines for weeks or months. B. Braun, one of the major suppliers, has reported ongoing manufacturing delays contributing to the current shortage.
Only a handful of companies make generic Cefepime in the United States, including B. Braun, Baxter, Apotex, and Hospira (Pfizer). When even one manufacturer goes offline, the remaining companies can't always ramp up production fast enough to cover the gap. Sterile injectable manufacturing facilities are expensive to build and maintain, which discourages new competitors from entering the market.
Hospital use of broad-spectrum antibiotics like Cefepime has been rising. As antibiotic resistance grows, doctors increasingly rely on fourth-generation cephalosporins like Cefepime to treat resistant infections, especially those caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and AmpC beta-lactamase-producing bacteria.
Many raw materials used to manufacture Cefepime are sourced from overseas. Disruptions to international supply chains — from shipping delays to regulatory issues at foreign manufacturing sites — can ripple through the entire supply of this medication in the United States.
For the latest information on the Cefepime shortage, see our 2026 shortage update for patients.
If your doctor has prescribed Cefepime and your hospital or pharmacy is having trouble getting it, here are some steps you can take:
Your doctor and pharmacist are your best allies. They can check availability across different suppliers, adjust the dosage form if a different vial size is available, or switch to an appropriate alternative antibiotic if Cefepime can't be sourced.
Our free tool at Medfinder helps patients and caregivers find medications that are in stock. You can search for Cefepime to see which pharmacies and hospital suppliers currently have it available.
Several antibiotics can be used as substitutes for Cefepime depending on your specific infection. These include Ceftazidime, Piperacillin/Tazobactam (Zosyn), and Meropenem. Your doctor will choose the best option based on the bacteria causing your infection and your medical history. Learn more in our guide to alternatives to Cefepime.
Hospital pharmacists often have access to drug shortage management protocols and may be able to source Cefepime through alternative distributors or group purchasing organizations that individual patients wouldn't have access to.
If you're receiving outpatient IV antibiotic therapy, call multiple infusion centers or home health agencies. Supply levels can vary significantly from one facility to another, even within the same city. See our tips on how to find Cefepime in stock near you.
Unfortunately, there's no clear timeline for when the Cefepime shortage will fully resolve. The ASHP (American Society of Health-System Pharmacists) continues to list Cefepime injection as an active shortage. Manufacturing of sterile injectables is complex, and bringing new production capacity online takes months to years.
The good news is that multiple manufacturers are working to increase supply, and the FDA is actively monitoring the situation. New combination products like Exblifep (Cefepime/Enmetazobactam) have also entered the market, which could help relieve some of the demand pressure on standard Cefepime.
Cefepime is a critical antibiotic that saves lives every day. The ongoing shortage is frustrating and sometimes frightening for patients who depend on it. But by staying informed, working closely with your medical team, and using tools like Medfinder to track availability, you can improve your chances of getting the treatment you need.
If you're worried about the cost of Cefepime, we've also put together a guide on how to save money on Cefepime in 2026.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
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