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

If you've gone to fill your Indomethacin prescription and found the shelf empty — or been told your pharmacy is out of stock — you're not imagining things. Indomethacin availability has been a recurring frustration for patients and providers, especially for certain formulations. In this article, we break down exactly why Indomethacin can be hard to find and what you can do about it in 2026.

Is There an Indomethacin Shortage Right Now?

As of 2026, indomethacin oral capsules (25 mg and 50 mg) are not on the FDA's official drug shortage list. That means a nationwide shortage has not been formally declared. However, availability can still be inconsistent — particularly for specific formulations like the extended-release 75 mg capsule, oral suspension, and rectal suppository. Patients who need these forms may have a harder time finding them.

Here's the core issue: Indomethacin is an older generic drug, and several major pharmaceutical manufacturers have quietly exited the market over the past decade. When fewer companies are making a drug, any disruption — a quality recall, a manufacturing problem, or a spike in demand — can cause widespread pharmacy shortages.

Why Have Manufacturers Left the Market?

Indomethacin's primary patents expired decades ago, which led to a wave of generic competition. Over time, the profit margins on generic indomethacin became slim enough that major manufacturers like Heritage Pharmaceuticals, Mylan, Sandoz, and Teva each discontinued specific indomethacin formulations. When a manufacturer exits the market, the remaining companies must pick up the slack — and that's not always possible immediately.

The brand name Indocin is no longer commercially available in the U.S. today, though generic indomethacin from remaining manufacturers is still being sold. Some niche formulations — like the oral suspension and rectal suppository — have extremely limited supply chains, which is reflected in their sky-high retail prices: the oral suspension can run over $1,700 per bottle without insurance.

Recent Recalls That Disrupted Supply

Two significant recalls have affected indomethacin availability in the past two years:

KVK-Tech Recall (May 2025): The FDA announced a nationwide recall of 9,107 bottles of Indomethacin Extended-Release 75 mg capsules due to cGMP (current Good Manufacturing Practice) deviations. This affected patients who relied on the extended-release formulation for once-daily dosing.

Glenmark Recall (July 2024): Glenmark Pharmaceuticals recalled certain lots of indomethacin extended-release capsules due to failed dissolution testing. While only specific lot numbers were affected, it created temporary scarcity for patients using the extended-release form.

Neither of these recalls signaled a complete drug discontinuation — other manufacturers continued to supply indomethacin. But recalls like these reduce the overall supply in circulation, particularly at smaller pharmacies that may not quickly restock from alternative distributors.

Which Indomethacin Formulations Are Hardest to Find?

Not all formulations are equally available. Here's a quick breakdown:

25 mg and 50 mg capsules: Generally available at most pharmacies. Multiple generic manufacturers still produce these.

75 mg extended-release capsules: More variable availability due to recent recalls. May require calling multiple pharmacies.

Oral suspension (25 mg/5 mL): Very limited production, very high retail price. May need specialty pharmacy access.

Rectal suppository (50 mg): Extremely limited commercial supply in the U.S. Retail pricing reflects this scarcity.

IV injection (1 mg): Hospital use only (for neonatal PDA). Distribution handled through hospital pharmacies and distributors.

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Why Does Indomethacin Availability Vary by Pharmacy?

Even when a drug is not nationally short, individual pharmacies may run out for several reasons. Large chain pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid) tend to use centralized distribution systems, meaning if their regional warehouse is out, all their stores in that area are out. Independent pharmacies often order from multiple wholesalers and can sometimes source stock that chains cannot.

Specialty formulations like the extended-release capsule may only be stocked by pharmacies that regularly dispense them. If you need the 75 mg ER formulation, it may be worth calling independent pharmacies or compounding pharmacies in addition to major chains.

What Should You Do If You Can't Find Indomethacin?

If your usual pharmacy is out of stock, here are your options:

Use medfinder: medfinder calls pharmacies near you to check which ones have your specific indomethacin formulation in stock, saving you time and frustration.

Ask your pharmacist: Your pharmacist can check their distributor's inventory and sometimes order from alternative suppliers within 1-2 days.

Check the formulation: Ask your doctor if you can switch formulations. For example, if 75 mg ER is unavailable, 50 mg immediate-release twice daily might be an alternative.

Ask about alternatives: If indomethacin truly isn't available, there are other NSAIDs your doctor can consider. See our guide to alternatives to indomethacin.

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The Bottom Line on Indomethacin Availability in 2026

Indomethacin is not universally discontinued — but it has a complicated supply landscape. Standard oral capsules (25 mg and 50 mg) are generally findable, while specialized formulations may require extra legwork. The best strategy is to check availability at multiple pharmacies, ask your pharmacist about ordering, and know your alternatives. Read our Indomethacin shortage update for 2026 for the latest developments.