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

If You've Been Told Collagenase Is Out of Stock, You're Not Alone

You have a wound that needs proper care, your doctor prescribed Collagenase Santyl Ointment, and you went to the pharmacy — only to hear those dreaded words: "We don't have it in stock."

It's a frustrating situation, especially when you're dealing with a chronic wound, a burn, or a diabetic ulcer that needs timely treatment. Collagenase isn't the kind of medication you can simply skip or delay without consequences. The longer a wound goes without proper debridement, the greater the risk of infection and delayed healing.

So why is this medication so hard to find? Let's break it down.

What Is Collagenase?

Collagenase — sold under the brand name Santyl — is a prescription topical ointment used for wound debridement. That means it helps remove dead or damaged tissue from chronic skin ulcers (like pressure sores, venous ulcers, and diabetic foot ulcers) and severe burns.

The active ingredient is an enzyme derived from the bacterium Clostridium histolyticum. It works by selectively breaking down the collagen in dead tissue while leaving healthy tissue intact. This helps the wound bed prepare for healing and new skin growth.

Santyl is manufactured by Smith+Nephew and is the only FDA-approved collagenase ointment available in the United States. There is no generic version of Santyl, which is one of the key reasons it can be hard to find and expensive.

To learn more about how this medication works at a deeper level, check out our article on how Collagenase works.

Why Is Collagenase So Hard to Find?

There are several factors that contribute to the difficulty of finding Collagenase Santyl Ointment at your local pharmacy. Here are the main reasons:

1. There Is Only One Manufacturer

Unlike many common medications that have multiple generic manufacturers, Collagenase Santyl is made exclusively by Smith+Nephew. When a single company is the sole source of a medication, any disruption in their production, distribution, or raw material supply can create widespread shortages.

This is exactly what happened in 2023 when an ASHP-reported shortage made it difficult for patients across the country to fill their prescriptions.

2. No Generic Alternative Exists

Because Collagenase Santyl has no generic equivalent, patients can't simply switch to a cheaper or more readily available version of the same drug. When supply is tight, there's no backup waiting on pharmacy shelves. This makes it fundamentally different from medications like Metformin or Lisinopril, where dozens of generic manufacturers compete.

3. Specialized Manufacturing Process

Collagenase is a biologically derived enzyme, not a simple chemical compound. Producing it requires specialized fermentation and purification processes using live bacteria. This type of manufacturing is more complex and harder to scale up quickly than standard pharmaceutical production.

4. Pharmacy Stocking Patterns

Many retail pharmacies don't routinely stock Santyl because it's a specialty wound care product. Unlike blood pressure or diabetes medications that pharmacies dispense hundreds of times per month, Collagenase is a lower-volume product. Some pharmacies may only order it when a specific prescription comes in, which means added wait time for patients.

What You Can Do If You Can't Find Collagenase

If your pharmacy is out of stock, don't panic. Here are some practical steps you can take:

Use Medfinder to Check Stock Nearby

The fastest way to locate Collagenase in stock near you is to use Medfinder. It checks real-time pharmacy availability so you don't have to call around to every store in town.

Try Independent Pharmacies

Independent and compounding pharmacies often have more flexible ordering capabilities than large chain pharmacies. They may be able to source Santyl from different wholesalers or order it directly for you.

Ask Your Doctor About Alternatives

If you truly cannot find Collagenase, talk to your healthcare provider about alternative wound debridement options. These might include Medihoney (medical-grade honey), hydrogel dressings, or in-office sharp debridement.

Contact Smith+Nephew Directly

Smith+Nephew's customer service may be able to help you locate a pharmacy that has Santyl available. They also have a Patient Assistance Program for those who qualify.

Don't Stop Wound Care

While you're searching for Collagenase, continue following your doctor's wound care instructions. Keep the wound clean, change dressings as directed, and report any signs of infection (increased redness, warmth, swelling, or foul-smelling drainage) to your provider immediately.

What About the 2023 Shortage — Is It Still Going On?

The good news is that the collagenase ointment shortage that began in August 2023 has been resolved as of October 2024, according to ASHP. Smith+Nephew has confirmed that both the 30g and 90g tube sizes are back in production and available for distribution.

However, residual supply chain issues and pharmacy stocking habits mean that some locations may still have inconsistent availability. If you're still having trouble, our guide to finding Collagenase in stock can help.

Final Thoughts

Finding Collagenase shouldn't feel like a scavenger hunt, but for many patients in 2026, it still does. The combination of a single manufacturer, no generic options, specialized production requirements, and inconsistent pharmacy stocking creates a perfect storm of limited availability.

The most important thing you can do is stay proactive. Use tools like Medfinder to check pharmacy stock in real time, explore alternatives with your provider if needed, and never delay wound care while waiting for a prescription to be filled.

Your wound healing matters — and you deserve access to the medications that support it.