Leucovorin has been in and out of shortage since 2008. Learn why this essential cancer drug is so hard to find in 2026 and what you can do about it.
Leucovorin (also known as Folinic Acid or by the brand name Wellcovorin) is a critical medication used in cancer treatment and methotrexate rescue therapy. But for years, patients and caregivers have faced an uphill battle trying to fill their prescriptions. If your pharmacy recently told you Leucovorin is out of stock or on back order, you're far from the only one dealing with this frustrating situation.
In this post, we'll explain what Leucovorin is, why it's been so difficult to find, and — most importantly — what steps you can take right now to locate it.
Leucovorin Calcium is a folic acid analog — a medication that acts like the vitamin folate in your body. It's used in several important medical situations:
Because Leucovorin is a key part of life-saving cancer protocols, running into a shortage can feel especially alarming. For more details, see our complete guide on what Leucovorin is and how it's used.
There are several reasons Leucovorin has been in and out of shortage for over a decade. Here are the main factors driving the problem in 2026:
Only a handful of companies produce generic Leucovorin in the United States. When even one manufacturer experiences a production issue — whether it's a quality control problem, a raw material shortage, or equipment maintenance — the entire supply chain feels the impact. The injectable form (used in hospitals and infusion centers) has been especially vulnerable.
Leucovorin's shortage history stretches back to 2008. Three distinct shortages hit between 2008 and 2014, and the injectable 500 mg vials have been intermittently on back order from major suppliers like Sagent and Fresenius Kabi. As of late 2025, some manufacturers still could not estimate release dates for certain vial sizes.
Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related death in both men and women in the United States. As the population ages and more patients are diagnosed, the demand for Leucovorin continues to rise — often outpacing the limited supply.
The shortage has become serious enough that the FDA has allowed temporary importation of Leucovorin tablets from Canada (manufactured in Spain by Farmasierra for Pfizer). When a regulatory agency takes the unusual step of importing medications from other countries, it signals just how constrained domestic supply has become.
Even during a shortage, there are practical steps you can take:
Medfinder helps you search for pharmacies that have Leucovorin in stock near you. Instead of calling pharmacy after pharmacy, you can check availability online and save valuable time — especially important when your treatment schedule depends on it.
Levoleucovorin (brand names Fusilev and Khapzory) is the active L-isomer of Leucovorin and can be used interchangeably at half the dose. It was actually FDA-approved in 2008 during a previous Leucovorin shortage. Ask your oncologist or prescriber if Levoleucovorin is a suitable substitute. Learn more about alternatives to Leucovorin.
Large chain pharmacies often run out first. Independent pharmacies and specialty oncology pharmacies may have different supply channels and could have stock when chains don't. Read our full guide on how to find Leucovorin in stock near you.
Your oncologist's office or infusion center may have access to hospital-based supply networks that retail pharmacies don't. They may also be able to adjust your treatment timing if a brief delay won't compromise your care.
Leucovorin shortages are a long-standing problem with no overnight fix. The good news is that awareness is growing, alternative medications exist, and tools like Medfinder make it easier to track down the medication you need. If you're currently struggling to find Leucovorin, don't give up — reach out to your care team, explore alternatives, and use every resource available to you.
For the latest shortage information, check out our Leucovorin shortage update for 2026.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
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