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

Updated:

February 15, 2026

Author:

Peter Daggett

Summarize this blog with AI:

Wondering why Endometrin is so hard to find in 2026? Learn about the shortage, recall history, and what you can do to get your prescription filled.

If You're Struggling to Find Endometrin, You're Not Alone

You've just been through egg retrieval or you're prepping for a frozen embryo transfer — and now the pharmacy says they don't have Endometrin in stock. It's stressful, it's time-sensitive, and you're not the only one dealing with it.

Endometrin has been one of the harder fertility medications to track down over the past couple of years. Between a major recall, manufacturing delays, and growing demand for fertility treatments, the supply picture has been complicated. In this post, we'll explain exactly what's going on and what you can do about it.

What Is Endometrin?

Endometrin is a brand-name vaginal insert that contains 100 mg of micronized Progesterone. It's FDA-approved for luteal phase support in women undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatments like in vitro fertilization (IVF).

After egg retrieval, your body often doesn't produce enough Progesterone on its own to support an embryo. Endometrin supplements that Progesterone by delivering it directly to the uterine lining, helping create the right environment for implantation and early pregnancy. It's typically taken two to three times daily, starting the day after egg retrieval and continuing for up to 10 weeks.

Endometrin is manufactured by Ferring Pharmaceuticals and has been a go-to option for fertility clinics because it's easier to use than painful Progesterone injections and avoids the gel residue that comes with alternatives like Crinone.

Why Is Endometrin So Hard to Find?

There are several reasons Endometrin has been difficult to locate at pharmacies. Here's what's been happening:

1. The 2023 Recall and Manufacturing Shutdown

In late 2023, Ferring Pharmaceuticals voluntarily recalled Endometrin after Burkholderia bacteria were detected during quality control testing of four unreleased batches. While no contaminated product reached patients, Ferring suspended production at their contract manufacturing facility to investigate the root cause.

This shutdown lasted well into 2024, creating a significant gap in supply. Even after production resumed, it took months for inventory to rebuild and flow back to pharmacies and specialty distributors.

2. Limited Manufacturers

For most of its history, Endometrin had only one manufacturer: Ferring. When a single company makes a drug and something goes wrong — whether it's a recall, a manufacturing issue, or a raw material shortage — there's no backup supplier to pick up the slack. This single-source bottleneck made the shortage worse and longer-lasting than it might have been otherwise.

The good news: in September 2025, Xiromed launched the first FDA-approved generic Progesterone vaginal insert, which has started to ease supply pressure. But distribution of the generic is still ramping up.

3. Growing Demand for Fertility Treatments

IVF and other ART procedures have been increasing steadily year over year. More people are pursuing fertility treatment, which means more prescriptions for luteal phase support medications like Endometrin. When demand rises faster than supply can keep up — especially after a recall — shortages get worse.

4. Specialty Pharmacy Distribution

Endometrin isn't stocked at every corner pharmacy. It's primarily distributed through specialty pharmacies and fertility clinic dispensaries. This means even when supply exists somewhere in the system, it may not be at the pharmacy you called. The specialty distribution model can make it feel harder to find than drugs available at any retail location.

What You Can Do to Find Endometrin

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

Use Medfinder to Check Real-Time Stock

Medfinder helps you search for medications that are hard to find, including Endometrin. Instead of calling pharmacy after pharmacy, you can check availability in your area quickly and save valuable time — especially when your treatment timeline is tight.

Ask About the Generic

Since Xiromed's generic Progesterone vaginal insert launched in late 2025, it may be available even when brand-name Endometrin isn't. Ask your fertility clinic or pharmacist if the generic version is an option for you. It contains the same active ingredient (Progesterone 100 mg) in the same vaginal insert format.

Call Specialty Pharmacies

Fertility specialty pharmacies like Freedom Fertility, Encompass, Village Fertility, and Alto Pharmacy often have better access to Endometrin than chain retail pharmacies. Your fertility clinic may be able to direct you to their preferred specialty pharmacy partner.

Talk to Your Doctor About Alternatives

If Endometrin truly isn't available, your reproductive endocrinologist can discuss alternatives. Options include Crinone (Progesterone vaginal gel), Prometrium (oral Progesterone capsules used vaginally off-label), or Progesterone in oil (PIO) injections. Each has tradeoffs, but your doctor can help you choose the best option for your situation. Learn more in our guide to Endometrin alternatives.

Don't Wait Until the Last Minute

If you know you'll need Endometrin for an upcoming cycle, ask your clinic to send the prescription early. The more lead time you have, the more options you'll have if your first pharmacy is out of stock.

Final Thoughts

Endometrin availability has improved since the worst of the 2023-2024 shortage, but it can still be tricky to find depending on where you live and which pharmacy you use. The launch of a generic version is a positive development, and supply should continue to stabilize in 2026.

In the meantime, tools like Medfinder can help you locate Endometrin in stock near you. And if you're worried about cost, check out our guide to saving money on Endometrin.

You're already going through a lot with fertility treatment. Finding your medication shouldn't be the hardest part.

Is Endometrin still in shortage in 2026?

The major shortage caused by the 2023 recall has largely resolved, but some pharmacies may still experience sporadic stock issues. The launch of a generic progesterone vaginal insert by Xiromed in late 2025 has helped improve overall supply.

Why was Endometrin recalled?

In late 2023, Ferring Pharmaceuticals voluntarily recalled Endometrin after Burkholderia bacteria were detected in four unreleased batches during quality control testing. No contaminated product reached patients, but production was suspended while the issue was investigated.

Is there a generic version of Endometrin available?

Yes. In September 2025, Xiromed launched the first FDA-approved generic progesterone vaginal insert (100 mg), which is therapeutically equivalent to Endometrin. Ask your pharmacist or fertility clinic about availability.

What can I use instead of Endometrin if I can't find it?

Alternatives include Crinone (progesterone vaginal gel), Prometrium (oral progesterone capsules, sometimes used vaginally off-label), and progesterone in oil (PIO) intramuscular injections. Talk to your reproductive endocrinologist about the best option for your treatment plan.

Why waste time calling, coordinating, and hunting?

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