Droxidopa (Northera) is hard to find due to specialty pharmacy requirements, prior authorization, and limited distribution. Here's why and what to do.
If you've been prescribed Droxidopa (brand name Northera) for neurogenic orthostatic hypotension (nOH), you may have already discovered something frustrating: this medication can be incredibly difficult to find. You're not alone — many patients across the country struggle to fill their Droxidopa prescription.
In this guide, we'll explain exactly why Droxidopa is so hard to find in 2026 and what you can do about it.
Droxidopa is a prescription medication used to treat neurogenic orthostatic hypotension (nOH) — a condition where your blood pressure drops significantly when you stand up, causing dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting. It's commonly prescribed for patients with Parkinson's disease, multiple system atrophy, or pure autonomic failure.
The brand-name version, Northera, was approved by the FDA in 2014 and is manufactured by Lundbeck. Generic versions of Droxidopa are now available, which has improved access somewhat — but finding it can still be a challenge.
For more details about the medication itself, see our guide on what Droxidopa is, its uses, and dosage.
Northera (brand-name Droxidopa) has traditionally been distributed through specialty pharmacies rather than your local retail pharmacy. Specialty pharmacies handle medications that require special storage, handling, or patient monitoring. This means your neighborhood CVS or Walgreens may not carry brand-name Northera at all.
The good news is that generic Droxidopa is increasingly available at retail pharmacies, but not all locations stock it regularly due to low demand.
Most insurance plans require prior authorization before they'll cover Droxidopa. This means your doctor needs to submit paperwork proving that the medication is medically necessary. The prior authorization process can take days or even weeks, delaying your ability to start or continue treatment.
Neurogenic orthostatic hypotension is a relatively uncommon condition. Because fewer patients need Droxidopa compared to widely used medications, pharmacies may not keep it in stock. Low demand means low inventory — and that means longer wait times when you need a refill.
The average retail price for Droxidopa is around $2,721 for 90 capsules. Even with generic versions available (which can be found for as low as $36.90 with a coupon), the cost is a barrier that affects the supply chain. Pharmacies are less likely to stock expensive medications that sit on the shelf.
Learn more about ways to reduce your costs in our guide on how to save money on Droxidopa in 2026.
Like many specialty medications, Droxidopa can be affected by manufacturing and supply chain disruptions. Limited manufacturers and complex production processes mean that any hiccup can lead to temporary shortages or delays.
For the latest information, check our Droxidopa shortage update for 2026.
One important distinction to understand is the difference between brand-name Northera and generic Droxidopa:
If your pharmacy doesn't carry brand-name Northera, ask your doctor if generic Droxidopa is an option. It contains the same active ingredient and works the same way.
Finding Droxidopa doesn't have to be a nightmare. Here are some practical steps:
For a step-by-step approach, read our full guide on how to find Droxidopa in stock near you.
Droxidopa is hard to find because it's a specialty medication with limited distribution, requires prior authorization, serves a niche patient population, and has a high retail price. But with the right tools and strategies — including using MedFinder, exploring generic options, and working closely with your healthcare team — you can improve your chances of getting the medication you need.
Don't let pharmacy availability stand between you and your treatment. Start your search today.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
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