Wondering why Crexont is so hard to find at your pharmacy? Learn the reasons behind limited availability and what you can do about it in 2026.
If you or a loved one has Parkinson's disease and your doctor recently prescribed Crexont (Carbidopa/Levodopa extended-release capsules), you may have run into a frustrating problem: your pharmacy doesn't have it in stock. You're not alone. Many patients across the country are having trouble finding Crexont at their local pharmacy in 2026.
In this article, we'll explain why Crexont is so hard to find, what's causing the limited availability, and what steps you can take right now to get your medication.
Crexont was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on August 7, 2024, and began shipping to pharmacies in late 2024. Because it is such a new drug, many pharmacies have not yet added it to their regular inventory. Unlike older Parkinson's medications like Sinemet or Rytary, Crexont doesn't yet have the widespread distribution network that comes with years on the market.
Manufactured by Amneal Pharmaceuticals, Crexont uses a unique dual-bead formulation that combines immediate-release and extended-release Levodopa. This innovative design means it is produced at specialized facilities, and scaling up manufacturing takes time.
As of February 2026, there is no generic version of Crexont available. This means the only source of this medication is Amneal Pharmaceuticals. With only one manufacturer, any disruption in production or distribution can make the drug harder to find.
Generic versions of older Carbidopa/Levodopa formulations (like immediate-release Sinemet) are widely available and much cheaper. But Crexont's extended-release technology is patented, so a generic is unlikely to appear for several years.
Pharmacies decide which drugs to keep on their shelves based on demand. Since Crexont is new and relatively expensive (around $540 to $665 per month without insurance), many pharmacies—especially independent ones—may not stock it unless a patient specifically requests it. Large chain pharmacies like CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart may be more likely to carry it, but availability still varies by location.
Even when a pharmacy can order Crexont, insurance hurdles can slow things down. Many insurance plans require prior authorization before they will cover Crexont. Some plans also require step therapy, meaning your doctor must show that you tried older, cheaper medications first (like immediate-release Carbidopa/Levodopa) before the plan will approve Crexont.
These requirements can add days or even weeks to the process of getting your prescription filled. Learn more about how to save money on Crexont and navigate insurance challenges.
When any new drug launches, the manufacturer must gradually build up its supply chain. This includes:
Amneal Pharmaceuticals is actively working to expand Crexont's availability, but this process can take 12 to 24 months after launch.
If your pharmacy tells you Crexont is out of stock or not available, here are some steps you can take:
Yes. As Amneal Pharmaceuticals continues to ramp up production and more neurologists become familiar with Crexont, availability should improve throughout 2026 and beyond. The company has also launched a Crexont Savings Program and Patient Support Services to help patients access the medication. You can learn more at crexont.com.
For the latest updates on Crexont availability, check our Crexont shortage update for 2026.
Crexont is hard to find because it's a brand-new, brand-only Parkinson's medication that is still building its supply chain and pharmacy distribution network. Limited stocking, insurance hurdles, and the lack of a generic all contribute to the problem. But with the right tools and persistence, you can find Crexont and get the treatment you need.
Need help finding Crexont near you? Try MedFinder now to search pharmacies in your area.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
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