Why is Cocaine so hard to find? [Explained for 2026]

Why Is Cocaine Hydrochloride So Hard to Find?

If your doctor or surgeon has told you that Cocaine Hydrochloride topical solution is needed for your upcoming nasal procedure, you may have been surprised to learn it can be difficult to find. You're not alone — many patients and medical facilities across the country are dealing with the same problem.

Cocaine Hydrochloride (sold under the brand names Goprelto and Numbrino) is an FDA-approved topical anesthetic used during diagnostic procedures and surgeries on or through the nasal cavities. It's the only local anesthetic that also provides built-in vasoconstriction (it shrinks blood vessels), which helps reduce bleeding during nasal procedures. This makes it a valuable tool for ENT (ear, nose, and throat) doctors, ophthalmologists, and other specialists.

But despite its medical importance, Cocaine Hydrochloride has become increasingly hard to source. Here's why.

1. Very Few Manufacturers

Unlike common medications that may have dozens of generic manufacturers, Cocaine Hydrochloride topical solution has only two FDA-approved brand-name products:

• Goprelto — made by Genus Lifesciences (distributed by Noden Pharma), FDA-approved in 2017
• Numbrino — made by Omnivium Pharmaceuticals (originally Lannett Company), FDA-approved in 2020

With just two manufacturers, any disruption to either company's production can quickly lead to shortages across the country.

2. DEA Schedule II Restrictions

Cocaine is classified as a DEA Schedule II controlled substance. This means the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) sets strict manufacturing quotas each year. These quotas limit how much Cocaine Hydrochloride can be produced in the United States. Even if a manufacturer wants to make more, they need DEA approval to increase their quota — a process that can take time.

These regulations exist for good reason, but they also mean the supply of medical Cocaine is tightly controlled and can't ramp up quickly when demand increases.

3. The 2019 FDA Crackdown

For decades, some compounding pharmacies and smaller manufacturers sold unapproved versions of Cocaine Hydrochloride solution. In 2019, the FDA requested that these companies stop distributing their unapproved products. While this was an important step for patient safety, it also removed several supply sources from the market — leaving only the two FDA-approved brands to meet all demand.

4. Complex Supply Chain

Manufacturing a Schedule II controlled substance requires:

• Sourcing raw materials from a very limited number of approved suppliers
• Meeting strict DEA security and record-keeping requirements
• Following FDA good manufacturing practices (GMP)
• Maintaining special facility certifications

All of these factors make it harder for new companies to enter the market, and they create bottlenecks that can slow production.

5. Not a Retail Pharmacy Product

Unlike most prescription medications, Cocaine Hydrochloride is not typically dispensed at your local pharmacy. It's administered by healthcare professionals during procedures in hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, and specialty clinics. This means patients can't simply call around to retail pharmacies to find it. The supply chain runs through hospital purchasing departments and specialty medical distributors.

What Can You Do?

If your procedure requires Cocaine Hydrochloride and your medical facility is having trouble sourcing it, here are some steps you can take:

• Talk to your doctor about whether an alternative anesthetic could work for your procedure
• Check with your surgical facility — they may have access to different suppliers or can check with other locations
• Use MedFinder to search for availability near you
• Ask about timing — if the shortage is temporary, your doctor may be able to reschedule your procedure for when supply is expected to improve

The Bottom Line

The Cocaine Hydrochloride shortage isn't about demand from patients — it's a supply-side problem caused by limited manufacturers, strict DEA quotas, and the FDA's removal of unapproved products from the market. While these regulations serve important safety purposes, they do make it harder for medical facilities to keep this medication in stock.

For the latest updates on this shortage, check out our Cocaine shortage update for 2026. If you're a provider looking for sourcing help, visit our provider guide.