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

Updated:

February 24, 2026

Author:

Peter Daggett

Summarize this blog with AI:

Menopur is hard to find in 2026 due to supply shortages and rising demand. Learn why this fertility drug is scarce and what you can do to get it.

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

You've got your fertility treatment plan in hand, your cycle is about to start, and then your pharmacy tells you they don't have Menopur in stock. Sound familiar? You're far from alone. Thousands of patients across the country have been dealing with the same frustrating situation in recent years — and it's only gotten more stressful as supply issues continue into 2026.

In this post, we'll explain what Menopur is, why it's been so difficult to find, and — most importantly — what you can do about it right now.

What Is Menopur?

Menopur is the brand name for Menotropins, an injectable fertility medication made by Ferring Pharmaceuticals. It contains equal parts of two key hormones: follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). Together, these hormones stimulate the ovaries to develop multiple mature eggs during a fertility treatment cycle.

Menopur is most commonly prescribed as part of in vitro fertilization (IVF) protocols, though it's also used for ovulation induction and intrauterine insemination (IUI). It's administered as a daily subcutaneous injection, typically for 5 to 12 days, and requires close monitoring by a reproductive endocrinologist.

For many patients, Menopur is a critical part of their treatment plan — which is why running into stock issues can be so distressing. To learn more about how this medication works in detail, see our guide on how Menopur works.

Why Is Menopur So Hard to Find in 2026?

There's no single reason Menopur has been difficult to locate. Instead, it's a combination of factors that have created a perfect storm of scarcity.

1. Surging Demand for Fertility Treatments

The number of IVF cycles performed in the United States has been climbing steadily. More states are mandating insurance coverage for fertility treatments, and more people are choosing to start families later in life. Both trends have dramatically increased the demand for injectable gonadotropins like Menopur. Manufacturing simply hasn't kept pace.

2. Complex Manufacturing Process

Unlike recombinant fertility drugs such as Gonal-F or Follistim, Menopur is derived from the urine of postmenopausal women. This biological sourcing makes the manufacturing process more complex, harder to scale, and subject to supply variability. You can't just flip a switch and make more — it takes time to increase production capacity.

3. Limited Competition

Menopur is the only widely available human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) product on the U.S. market. Previous competitors like Repronex and Bravelle have been discontinued, leaving Ferring Pharmaceuticals as essentially the sole supplier. With no generic or biosimilar available, there's no backup when supply runs short.

4. Distribution and Pharmacy Challenges

Menopur requires refrigeration and is often dispensed through specialty fertility pharmacies rather than your neighborhood drugstore. Large retail pharmacy chains like CVS or Walgreens may not stock it consistently, and even specialty pharmacies can run out during peak demand periods (spring and early summer tend to be busiest for IVF cycles).

What You Can Do Right Now

If you're having trouble finding Menopur, don't panic. Here are practical steps you can take today:

Use Medfinder to Check Pharmacy Availability

Medfinder helps you search for Menopur across pharmacies in your area, showing you which locations currently have it in stock. It's free to use and can save you hours of calling around. For a detailed walkthrough, check out our post on how to find Menopur in stock near you.

Call Specialty Fertility Pharmacies

Specialty pharmacies that focus on fertility medications — like Freedom Fertility, Encompass Fertility, or MDR Pharmacy — are far more likely to have Menopur in stock than retail chains. Your fertility clinic likely has relationships with several and can point you in the right direction.

Ask Your Doctor About Alternatives

If Menopur truly isn't available, your reproductive endocrinologist may be able to adjust your protocol. Alternatives like Gonal-F (follitropin alfa) or Follistim AQ (follitropin beta) provide FSH stimulation, and your doctor can add supplemental LH if needed. Read more about your options in our post on alternatives to Menopur.

Plan Ahead

If your cycle start date is still a few weeks away, let your clinic and pharmacy know early so they can begin sourcing Menopur before you need it. Early communication is often the difference between a smooth start and a stressful scramble.

Look Into Financial Assistance

Sometimes the issue isn't just availability — it's cost. A single vial of Menopur costs roughly $90 to $130, and a full IVF cycle can require 20 to 40 vials ($1,800 to $5,200+). For tips on reducing costs, see our guide on how to save money on Menopur.

Final Thoughts

Dealing with a medication shortage during fertility treatment is incredibly stressful — we understand that. The challenges with Menopur availability in 2026 are real, but they're not insurmountable. By using tools like Medfinder, working closely with your fertility clinic, and exploring your options early, you can give yourself the best chance of staying on track with your treatment plan.

For the latest on supply status, check our Menopur shortage update for 2026.

Is Menopur on backorder in 2026?

Menopur has experienced intermittent supply disruptions since late 2023. While not on a continuous FDA backorder, availability varies by region and pharmacy. Specialty fertility pharmacies tend to have more consistent stock than retail chains.

Why is there no generic version of Menopur?

Menopur is a biologically derived product made from purified human hormones, not a simple chemical compound. This makes it difficult to produce a generic or biosimilar version. As of 2026, no generic Menotropins product has been approved in the United States.

Can my fertility clinic help me find Menopur?

Yes. Most fertility clinics work with specialty pharmacies and can help source Menopur for you. They may also have samples or know which pharmacies currently have stock. Always let your clinic know as early as possible if you're having trouble finding it.

What should I do if I can't find Menopur before my cycle starts?

Contact your reproductive endocrinologist immediately. They may be able to adjust your protocol to use alternative gonadotropins like Gonal-F or Follistim AQ. Do not delay — your doctor needs time to modify your treatment plan safely.

Why waste time calling, coordinating, and hunting?

You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.

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