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

Updated:

February 17, 2026

Author:

Peter Daggett

Summarize this blog with AI:

Rezdiffra is hard to find in 2026 due to specialty pharmacy restrictions, prior authorization, and high demand. Learn why and what you can do about it.

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

You got your prescription for Rezdiffra (Resmetirom), and now you're running into walls trying to actually fill it. Your local pharmacy doesn't carry it. The specialty pharmacy has a waitlist. Your insurance needs more paperwork. Sound familiar?

Rezdiffra was approved by the FDA in March 2024 as the first and only medication specifically for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), formerly known as NASH. It was a breakthrough moment for the millions of Americans living with this serious liver condition. But getting the drug into patients' hands has been a different story.

In this article, we'll explain exactly why Rezdiffra is so hard to find in 2026 and what steps you can take to get your prescription filled.

What Is Rezdiffra?

Rezdiffra is the brand name for Resmetirom, a thyroid hormone receptor-beta (THR-β) agonist made by Madrigal Pharmaceuticals. It works by activating a specific receptor in your liver that helps reduce fat buildup, inflammation, and scarring.

It's prescribed for adults with noncirrhotic MASH who have moderate to advanced liver fibrosis (stages F2 to F3). The drug comes as a once-daily tablet in three strengths: 60 mg, 80 mg, and 100 mg. Your dose depends on your body weight — 80 mg if you weigh less than 220 pounds, or 100 mg if you weigh 220 pounds or more.

For a deeper dive into the medication itself, check out our guide on what Rezdiffra is, its uses, dosage, and what you need to know.

Why Is Rezdiffra So Hard to Find?

There are several reasons patients struggle to get their hands on Rezdiffra. Here are the biggest ones:

1. It's a Specialty Pharmacy-Only Medication

Unlike common prescriptions you can pick up at your local CVS or Walgreens, Rezdiffra is distributed through a limited network of specialty pharmacies. This means your regular pharmacy simply doesn't stock it and can't order it for you.

Specialty pharmacies handle medications that are complex, high-cost, or require special handling. While this ensures proper oversight, it also creates a bottleneck. You may need to enroll with a specific specialty pharmacy, set up delivery, and coordinate with your doctor's office — all of which takes time.

2. Prior Authorization Creates Delays

Nearly every insurance plan — including commercial insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid — requires prior authorization (PA) before they'll cover Rezdiffra. This means your doctor has to submit paperwork proving you meet specific criteria, such as:

  • A confirmed diagnosis of MASH (NASH)
  • Liver biopsy or imaging showing moderate to advanced fibrosis (F2-F3)
  • No decompensated cirrhosis

The PA process can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. If the initial request is denied, your doctor may need to file an appeal, adding even more time.

3. High Cost Limits Access

Rezdiffra carries a list price of approximately $47,400 per year — roughly $3,950 per month. Even with insurance, copays for specialty medications can be steep. Without insurance, filling a Rezdiffra prescription is out of reach for most patients.

This high price point means pharmacies are cautious about stocking the drug, and some insurance plans place it on the highest formulary tier or exclude it altogether. For tips on reducing your costs, see our article on how to save money on Rezdiffra in 2026.

4. It's a New, First-in-Class Drug

Rezdiffra is the only FDA-approved drug for MASH. There's no generic version and no direct competitor on the market yet. When a drug is this new and this unique, the supply chain takes time to mature. Specialty pharmacy networks are still being built out, and awareness among prescribers is still growing.

Additionally, because MASH affects an estimated 6 to 8 million Americans with significant fibrosis, demand for Rezdiffra is expected to grow steadily — potentially outpacing the current distribution infrastructure.

What You Can Do to Get Your Rezdiffra Prescription Filled

If you're having trouble finding Rezdiffra, here are practical steps you can take:

Use Medfinder to Check Availability

Tools like Medfinder can help you locate pharmacies that have Rezdiffra in stock. Instead of calling pharmacy after pharmacy, you can search online and get real-time availability information.

Work Closely With Your Doctor's Office

Your prescriber's office is your best ally in navigating prior authorization. Ask them to:

  • Submit the PA promptly with all required documentation
  • Follow up with the insurance company if there are delays
  • File an appeal if the initial PA is denied

Contact Madrigal Patient Support

Madrigal Pharmaceuticals offers a comprehensive support program for Rezdiffra patients. They can help with:

  • Benefits investigation and insurance verification
  • Prior authorization assistance
  • Copay savings cards (commercially insured patients may pay as little as $0)
  • Connection to patient assistance programs for those who qualify

Call 1-877-219-7770 (Monday–Friday, 8 AM–8 PM ET) or visit madrigalpatientsupport.com.

Ask About the Specialty Pharmacy Network

Your doctor or Madrigal Patient Support can tell you exactly which specialty pharmacies carry Rezdiffra. Once you're connected with the right pharmacy, they can coordinate delivery directly to your home.

For more detailed strategies, read our guide on how to find Rezdiffra in stock near you.

What If You Still Can't Get Rezdiffra?

If access barriers are keeping you from starting treatment, talk to your doctor about alternatives. While no other drug is FDA-approved specifically for MASH, some medications are used off-label:

  • Pioglitazone — improves insulin sensitivity and has shown benefits in NASH
  • Vitamin E (high-dose) — may help non-diabetic patients with NASH
  • Semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy) — a GLP-1 receptor agonist being studied for MASH

Learn more in our article on alternatives to Rezdiffra if you can't fill your prescription.

Final Thoughts

Rezdiffra represents a major step forward for patients with MASH — but getting access to it in 2026 still takes patience and persistence. The combination of specialty pharmacy distribution, prior authorization requirements, and high costs creates real barriers that millions of patients are navigating right now.

The good news is that resources exist to help. Between Madrigal's patient support program, tools like Medfinder, and your healthcare team, there are concrete steps you can take to get your prescription filled. Don't give up — this medication could make a real difference in your liver health.

Is Rezdiffra available at regular pharmacies like CVS or Walgreens?

No. Rezdiffra is distributed exclusively through specialty pharmacies. Your regular retail pharmacy cannot order or stock it. Your doctor or Madrigal Patient Support (1-877-219-7770) can connect you with an authorized specialty pharmacy that will deliver the medication to your home.

How long does it take to get Rezdiffra after getting a prescription?

It depends on how quickly your insurance approves the prior authorization. The PA process can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Once approved, the specialty pharmacy typically ships Rezdiffra within a few business days. Working closely with your doctor's office and contacting Madrigal Patient Support can help speed things up.

Is there a generic version of Rezdiffra available?

No. Rezdiffra (Resmetirom) is currently only available as a brand-name medication from Madrigal Pharmaceuticals. There is no generic version available, and none is expected in the near term. The cash price is approximately $47,400 per year.

What should I do if my insurance denies coverage for Rezdiffra?

If your insurance denies coverage, ask your doctor to file an appeal. Make sure all required documentation — including your MASH diagnosis, fibrosis staging, and liver biopsy results — is included. You can also contact Madrigal Patient Support at 1-877-219-7770 for help navigating the appeals process and exploring other financial assistance options.

Why waste time calling, coordinating, and hunting?

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

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