Neupogen has been difficult to find at pharmacies in 2026. Learn why Neupogen is in short supply, what's causing the shortage, and what you can do.
You just finished a round of chemotherapy, and your doctor says you need Neupogen to bring your white blood cell count back up. You send the prescription to your pharmacy — and they tell you it's out of stock. You try another pharmacy. Same answer. Now you're worried, frustrated, and wondering what's going on.
If this sounds familiar, you're not imagining things. Neupogen has been genuinely difficult to find for many patients across the country. In this post, we'll explain what Neupogen is, why it's been so hard to get, and — most importantly — what you can do about it right now.
Neupogen is the brand name for Filgrastim, a medication that helps your body produce more white blood cells — specifically neutrophils. It belongs to a class of drugs called granulocyte colony-stimulating factors (G-CSFs).
Doctors most commonly prescribe Neupogen to patients undergoing chemotherapy for cancer. Chemotherapy often destroys white blood cells along with cancer cells, leaving patients vulnerable to serious infections. Neupogen helps the bone marrow recover faster, reducing the risk of a dangerous condition called neutropenia (dangerously low white blood cell counts).
Neupogen is also used for patients receiving bone marrow transplants, those undergoing peripheral blood progenitor cell collection, and people with severe chronic neutropenia. It's given as a subcutaneous injection (a shot under the skin) or sometimes as an intravenous infusion.
For a deeper look at how the drug works in your body, check out our guide on how Neupogen works.
There isn't one single reason Neupogen has been difficult to find. It's a combination of factors that have created a perfect storm of limited supply.
Neupogen is a biologic medication — it's made from living cells, not simple chemical reactions. This means manufacturing is complex, highly regulated, and vulnerable to disruptions. Amgen, the maker of Neupogen, has experienced periodic manufacturing delays at its production facilities. Even small issues in a biologic manufacturing process can shut down production for weeks or months while quality checks are completed.
As cancer screening improves and more patients receive chemotherapy, the demand for supportive care drugs like Neupogen has increased. More patients need G-CSF therapy, and supply hasn't always kept up with that growing need.
The pharmaceutical supply chain is long and complicated. Neupogen requires cold-chain storage (it must be kept refrigerated at 2–8°C), which adds another layer of logistical complexity. Disruptions at any point — from raw material sourcing to distribution — can cause local or regional shortages.
Neupogen is often distributed through specialty pharmacies rather than your local retail pharmacy. If your insurance requires you to use a specific specialty pharmacy, and that pharmacy is backordered, your options may feel very limited. Prior authorization requirements can also add days of delay at a time when you need the medication quickly.
For the latest information on the Neupogen shortage, read our 2026 shortage update for patients.
Being unable to find a critical medication is stressful, especially when your immune system is already compromised. Here are practical steps you can take today.
Medfinder lets you search for Neupogen availability at pharmacies near you in real time. Instead of calling pharmacy after pharmacy, you can check stock from your phone or computer. This is especially helpful for injectable medications like Neupogen that aren't stocked everywhere.
Neupogen has several FDA-approved biosimilars — medications that are highly similar to the original and work the same way. These include:
If brand Neupogen is unavailable, one of these biosimilars may be in stock. Talk to your oncologist about whether a biosimilar is appropriate for you. In most cases, they are considered interchangeable. For more details, see our post on alternatives to Neupogen.
Many oncology clinics stock Neupogen and biosimilars in-house for administration during office visits. If your pharmacy can't fill your prescription, your doctor's office may be able to provide the injection directly — sometimes covered under your medical benefit (insurance Part B) rather than your pharmacy benefit.
Specialty pharmacies that focus on oncology medications often have better access to Neupogen supply than retail chains. Hospital outpatient pharmacies are another option, as they may source from different distributors. Don't be afraid to ask your care team for referrals to pharmacies with better oncology drug access.
It can be tempting to try to stretch your supply or skip a dose if you're running low, but Neupogen is prescribed for a critical reason — to protect you from life-threatening infections during chemotherapy. If you're having trouble finding your medication, contact your oncologist right away so they can help you find a solution before you miss a dose.
Neupogen shortages are a real problem affecting real patients who are already going through one of the hardest experiences of their lives. Understanding why the shortage is happening can help you feel less powerless — and knowing your options can help you take action.
Start by checking Medfinder for real-time Neupogen availability near you. Ask your doctor about biosimilar alternatives. And remember: you have more options than you might think.
For more tips on tracking down your medication, read our guide on how to find Neupogen in stock near you. If cost is a concern, check out how to save money on Neupogen in 2026.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
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