Find out why Prochlorperazine is so hard to find in 2026. Learn about the shortage, supply chain issues, and what you can do to get your prescription filled.
If you've been to your pharmacy recently and been told that Prochlorperazine is out of stock, you're not alone. Thousands of patients across the country are struggling to fill their prescriptions for this important medication. Whether you take it for severe nausea, vomiting, migraines, or another condition, the frustration is real.
In this article, we'll explain exactly why Prochlorperazine has become so difficult to find, what's causing the shortage, and — most importantly — what you can do about it.
Prochlorperazine (brand name Compazine) is a phenothiazine medication that works by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain. It's FDA-approved to treat severe nausea and vomiting, schizophrenia, and short-term anxiety. Doctors also commonly prescribe it off-label for migraines and vertigo.
It comes in several forms: oral tablets (5 mg and 10 mg), rectal suppositories (25 mg), and an injectable solution used in hospitals and emergency rooms. Each of these forms has been affected by supply problems at various points.
One of the biggest factors is that very few companies still make Prochlorperazine. The original brand name, Compazine, was discontinued years ago. Today, only a handful of generic manufacturers produce the drug, including Jubilant Cadista, Teva, and Amneal Pharmaceuticals. When one manufacturer has a production problem, it puts enormous pressure on the remaining suppliers.
Like many generic drugs, Prochlorperazine depends on active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) that are often sourced from overseas. Disruptions in the global supply chain — whether from factory shutdowns, shipping delays, or regulatory issues — can slow production for months.
The injectable form (Prochlorperazine edisylate) has been on the ASHP drug shortage list repeatedly. Sterile injectable drugs are especially vulnerable to shortages because they require specialized manufacturing facilities and strict quality controls. When supply drops, hospitals scramble, and that can ripple out to affect tablet and suppository availability too.
Prochlorperazine maleate tablets were also added to the ASHP shortage list starting around late 2022. Suppositories have experienced intermittent supply issues as well. With limited manufacturers and high demand — especially from emergency departments, oncology clinics, and primary care — supply simply hasn't kept up.
Prochlorperazine is an inexpensive generic medication. While that's great for patients, it means manufacturers have little financial incentive to invest in new production lines or expand capacity. This is a common problem across the generic drug market.
When your pharmacy can't fill your Prochlorperazine prescription, you may face:
This is stressful, especially if you rely on Prochlorperazine to manage debilitating nausea or migraines.
Here are some practical steps you can take right now:
MedFinder helps you search for pharmacies near you that currently have Prochlorperazine in stock. Instead of calling pharmacy after pharmacy, you can check availability online in seconds.
If Prochlorperazine isn't available, your doctor may be able to switch you to a similar medication. Common alternatives include Ondansetron (Zofran), Promethazine (Phenergan), or Metoclopramide (Reglan). Each has its own pros and cons, so talk to your healthcare provider about what's right for you.
If tablets are out of stock, ask your doctor about suppositories or vice versa. The injectable form is typically reserved for hospital use, but oral and rectal forms may have different availability.
Chain pharmacies often face the worst shortages because they rely on centralized distribution. Independent pharmacies and compounding pharmacies sometimes have better access to medications in short supply.
If you know you'll need Prochlorperazine regularly, try to refill your prescription a few days early (within your insurance's allowed window). This gives you a buffer in case of delays.
Drug shortages are notoriously hard to predict. The factors driving the Prochlorperazine shortage — limited manufacturers, low profit margins, and supply chain vulnerabilities — are structural issues that don't have quick fixes. However, the FDA does work with manufacturers to resolve shortages, and new suppliers occasionally enter the market.
For the latest updates on the Prochlorperazine shortage, check out our 2026 shortage update for patients.
Prochlorperazine is hard to find in 2026 because of a perfect storm: few manufacturers, supply chain disruptions, and low profit margins on generic drugs. But you're not powerless. By using tools like MedFinder, exploring alternatives with your doctor, and staying proactive about refills, you can improve your chances of getting the medication you need.
Need help finding Prochlorperazine right now? Search for pharmacies with Prochlorperazine in stock on MedFinder.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
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