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

If you've been prescribed Santyl (collagenase ointment) for a wound and your pharmacy comes up empty, you're not alone. Patients and caregivers across the country have run into the same problem — calling pharmacy after pharmacy, only to be told it's out of stock, backordered, or simply not something they carry. In this guide, we break down exactly why Santyl can be hard to find and what you can do about it.

What Is Santyl, and Why Is It Unique?

Santyl is the brand name for collagenase ointment, a prescription topical medication used to remove dead tissue from chronic wounds and severe burns. It's the only FDA-approved enzymatic debriding agent in the United States — meaning there is no generic and no direct competitor on the U.S. market. The enzyme in Santyl comes from Clostridium histolyticum bacteria and works by selectively breaking down collagen in necrotic (dead) tissue, clearing the wound bed so new, healthy skin can grow.

Santyl has been prescribed by healthcare professionals for more than 50 years. It's used for pressure ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers, venous leg ulcers, and severe burns. Because it's the only product of its kind approved in the U.S., there's no easy substitute if your pharmacy runs out.

Did Santyl Have a Shortage?

Yes. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) created a drug shortage bulletin for collagenase ointment in August 2023, flagging supply difficulties with Smith & Nephew's Santyl. As of October 2024, Smith & Nephew reported that both the 30-gram and 90-gram tubes of Santyl are available — suggesting the acute shortage has largely resolved. However, individual pharmacies may still have limited stock, and not every location will carry it.

Even when a national shortage is resolved, local availability can remain inconsistent. Santyl is a specialty item that many retail pharmacies don't stock regularly — which means a resolved shortage at the manufacturer level doesn't always mean it's on your nearest pharmacy's shelf.

Why Do Pharmacies Run Out of Santyl?

There are several reasons Santyl can be hard to find at any given moment:

It's a brand-only biologic with no generic. Since no generic exists, every prescription must be filled with Santyl from Smith & Nephew. There's no fallback product.

Limited shelf space at retail pharmacies. Santyl is a specialty wound care product. Many chain pharmacies don't stock it at all or carry only a small supply. Wound care pharmacies and specialty pharmacies are more likely to have it.

High cost creates demand fluctuations. At retail prices of $333–$450+ for a 30-gram tube, Santyl is expensive. Ordering patterns from pharmacies can be irregular, creating gaps.

Prior authorization delays. Even if your pharmacy has it, insurance prior authorization holds can prevent you from picking it up, making it feel like the medication isn't available when in fact it's a paperwork delay.

Single-source manufacturing. Because Santyl is made by only one manufacturer (Smith & Nephew), any disruption in their supply chain or manufacturing has an outsized effect on national availability.

Is the Santyl Shortage Over in 2026?

As of early 2026, the formal ASHP shortage bulletin for Santyl has been updated to indicate product availability from Smith & Nephew. However, "available nationally" doesn't mean every pharmacy near you has it in stock. Individual pharmacy stock varies by region, distributor relationships, and ordering frequency. Patients should still expect to call multiple pharmacies or use a service to locate it.

What Should You Do If Your Pharmacy Doesn't Have Santyl?

Here are practical steps to take when your usual pharmacy is out of Santyl:

Don't just call one pharmacy. Santyl availability varies significantly by location. Call specialty pharmacies, compounding pharmacies, and wound care center pharmacies in addition to chain retail stores.

Ask about the 90-gram tube. When supply is tight, pharmacies may have one size but not the other. If your prescription allows, ask your provider if the 90-gram tube is an option.

Use medfinder. medfinder calls pharmacies near you to find out which ones can fill your Santyl prescription — so you don't have to spend hours on hold. Visit medfinder.com to get started.

Talk to your prescriber about alternatives. If Santyl remains unavailable, your wound care specialist can discuss options like Medihoney, hydrogel dressings, or sharp debridement to keep your wound care on track.

Check mail-order and specialty pharmacy options. Some specialty pharmacies can ship Santyl directly. Your insurance's specialty pharmacy network may be the most reliable source.

Could a Generic Santyl Ever Be Available?

Not anytime soon. Santyl is a biologic medication — derived from a living organism — and its patents extend to at least 2030. A biosimilar version could theoretically enter the market after patent expiration, but the regulatory pathway for biologic biosimilars is complex. For now, if you need collagenase ointment, Santyl is the only option.

The Bottom Line

Santyl is hard to find because it's a brand-only biologic with no generic, limited shelf presence at retail pharmacies, and a history of supply difficulties. While the acute national shortage has improved, local gaps are common. The best strategy is to search broadly, use tools that do the calling for you, and have a conversation with your provider about backup options. For more on finding Santyl in stock, see our guide on how to find Santyl in stock near you.