Find out why Compro (Prochlorperazine suppositories) is so hard to find in 2026, what's causing the shortage, and what you can do to get your prescription filled.
You have a prescription for Compro — a rectal suppository used to treat severe nausea and vomiting — and your pharmacy tells you it's out of stock. You call another pharmacy. Same answer. If this sounds familiar, you're far from alone.
Compro (Prochlorperazine 25 mg suppositories) is a medication that many patients depend on, particularly when oral medications aren't an option due to severe vomiting. But finding it in stock has become increasingly difficult in recent years. In this article, we'll break down exactly why Compro is so hard to find and what you can do about it.
Compro is a brand-name rectal suppository containing Prochlorperazine, a first-generation antipsychotic in the phenothiazine drug class. It works by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain's chemoreceptor trigger zone, which helps control severe nausea and vomiting.
Compro is FDA-approved for the control of severe nausea and vomiting in adults. It's manufactured by Padagis US LLC and comes in a single strength: 25 mg suppositories. Because it's a rectal formulation, Compro is especially important for patients who can't keep oral medications down — which is often the case when nausea is severe.
Prochlorperazine is also available in other forms (5 mg and 10 mg oral tablets, and injectable solutions), but Compro specifically refers to the suppository formulation. You may also hear the discontinued brand name Compazine used interchangeably, though that brand is no longer actively marketed.
There are several factors that make Compro difficult to locate at your local pharmacy:
Unlike widely-prescribed medications that have dozens of generic manufacturers, Compro suppositories are produced by a very limited number of companies. Padagis US LLC is the primary manufacturer of the branded product. When only one or two companies make a medication, any production disruption — even a minor one — can cause widespread shortages.
Suppositories are a niche dosage form. Most pharmacies stock far fewer suppository products than tablets or capsules, and the manufacturing equipment needed to produce them is specialized. This means fewer production lines exist, and when demand spikes or production slows, supply can't ramp up quickly.
Prochlorperazine in various forms has appeared on drug shortage lists tracked by the ASHP (American Society of Health-System Pharmacists) and the FDA. The injectable form has been most affected, but supply disruptions can cascade across formulations. When hospitals can't get the injectable version, demand for suppositories increases, creating a ripple effect.
Prochlorperazine is an older, inexpensive generic drug. The low profit margins give manufacturers little financial incentive to invest in expanding production capacity. When production costs rise or quality control issues arise, manufacturers may choose to focus on more profitable products rather than ramping up production of low-margin medications like Compro.
If your pharmacy is out of stock, don't give up. Here are practical steps you can take:
Tools like Medfinder can help you search for pharmacies that have Compro in stock near you. Instead of calling pharmacy after pharmacy, you can check availability from home and save time.
If Compro (the brand) isn't available, ask your pharmacist about generic prochlorperazine 25 mg suppositories. The active ingredient is identical, and the generic may be available from a different distributor.
If the suppository form isn't available, talk to your doctor about switching to prochlorperazine oral tablets (5 mg or 10 mg), which are more widely stocked. Of course, this only works if you can keep oral medications down. Your doctor may also consider alternative medications like Ondansetron (Zofran) or Promethazine (Phenergan) suppositories.
Large chain pharmacies often have centralized ordering systems that may not prioritize niche products. Independent pharmacies sometimes have more flexibility in sourcing medications and may be able to special-order Compro for you. Compounding pharmacies can sometimes prepare prochlorperazine suppositories as a custom formulation.
If you use Compro regularly, don't wait until you're completely out to refill. Talk to your doctor about writing prescriptions with enough lead time for your pharmacy to order the medication. Some pharmacies allow you to set up automatic refill alerts.
When you do find Compro, cost can be another barrier. The brand-name product can cost $80 to $175 for 12 suppositories without insurance. Generic prochlorperazine suppositories may cost $27 to $80 with a coupon card. For tips on reducing your costs, check out our guide on how to save money on Compro.
Compro is a genuinely important medication for patients dealing with severe nausea and vomiting — especially when oral options aren't feasible. The combination of limited manufacturers, specialized formulation requirements, and low profit margins creates a perfect storm that makes this medication harder to find than it should be.
The good news is that you have options. Whether it's using Medfinder to track down availability, asking about generics, or exploring alternatives with your doctor, there are steps you can take today. For a deeper look at the current supply situation, read our Compro shortage update for 2026.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
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