Wondering why Cytomel is so hard to find in 2026? Learn about Liothyronine supply issues, shortage causes, and what you can do to fill your prescription.
If you've been told your pharmacy is out of Cytomel — or that it's on backorder — you're not alone. Thousands of patients who rely on this thyroid medication have been dealing with frustrating supply issues over the past several years. In 2026, finding Cytomel (generic name: Liothyronine Sodium) can still feel like a scavenger hunt.
In this article, we'll break down what Cytomel is, why it's been so hard to find, and — most importantly — what you can do about it right now.
Cytomel is a brand-name prescription medication that contains Liothyronine Sodium, a synthetic form of the thyroid hormone T3 (triiodothyronine). It's manufactured by Pfizer and is FDA-approved for:
Unlike Levothyroxine (Synthroid), which provides T4 that your body converts to T3, Cytomel delivers T3 directly. This makes it especially important for patients whose bodies don't convert T4 to T3 efficiently. To learn more about how this medication works, check out our guide on how Cytomel works.
Cytomel comes in 5 mcg, 25 mcg, and 50 mcg tablets, and the usual maintenance dose ranges from 25 to 75 mcg daily. For a full overview of uses and dosing, see What Is Cytomel?
There are several overlapping reasons why Cytomel and generic Liothyronine have been difficult to find. Here are the main factors:
Unlike widely prescribed medications with dozens of generic makers, Liothyronine has a relatively small number of manufacturers. When even one manufacturer has a production delay or quality issue, the ripple effects are felt across the entire supply chain. Pfizer produces brand-name Cytomel, and only a handful of companies make generic versions.
Hypothyroidism diagnoses have been rising, and more providers — especially in integrative and functional medicine — are prescribing T3 medications like Cytomel in addition to or instead of T4-only therapy. This rising demand has put pressure on an already limited supply.
The widespread Levothyroxine (Synthroid) shortage that began in 2023 pushed some patients and prescribers toward Liothyronine as an alternative or supplement. This spillover demand made Cytomel even harder to find at many pharmacies.
Active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) for many medications, including thyroid hormones, are sourced internationally. Trade tariffs introduced in 2025 on pharmaceutical ingredients have added cost pressures and potential delays for manufacturers, which can translate into spot shortages at the pharmacy level.
If you're struggling to find Cytomel or generic Liothyronine, here are some practical steps:
The fastest way to find Cytomel near you is to use Medfinder, which helps you check real-time pharmacy availability in your area. Instead of calling pharmacy after pharmacy, you can search once and see which locations have your medication in stock. For a step-by-step guide, see How to Find Cytomel in Stock Near You.
Large chain pharmacies often have the most demand and the fastest stock depletion. Independent and local pharmacies may have more flexibility in their ordering and may stock Liothyronine from different manufacturers. They can also sometimes special-order it for you.
If commercial Cytomel and generic Liothyronine are unavailable, ask your doctor about compounded Liothyronine from a compounding pharmacy. Compounding pharmacies can prepare custom doses and even sustained-release formulations. For more options, read about alternatives to Cytomel.
Depending on your condition, your doctor may be able to temporarily switch you to a different thyroid medication, such as Armour Thyroid (which contains both T4 and T3) or adjust your Levothyroxine dose. Never change your thyroid medication without your doctor's guidance.
If your insurance allows it, try to fill your prescription a few days before you run out. This gives you a buffer if your pharmacy needs to order more stock.
Cost can also be a barrier. Brand-name Cytomel can cost $80 to over $300 for a 30-day supply at cash price. Generic Liothyronine is more affordable — around $24 to $98 with discount coupons from services like GoodRx or SingleCare. For detailed money-saving tips, check out How to Save Money on Cytomel.
Finding Cytomel in 2026 can be challenging, but it's not impossible. The key is to be proactive: use tools like Medfinder to check availability, work closely with your doctor and pharmacist, and explore all your options — including generics, compounding pharmacies, and therapeutic alternatives.
Your thyroid health matters, and you deserve access to the medication that works for you. Don't give up — and don't go without your medication if you can help it.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
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