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

If you have rosacea and your dermatologist prescribed Soolantra (ivermectin 1% cream), you may have discovered something frustrating: it's not always easy to get. Whether you called three pharmacies and struck out, got denied by your insurance, or stared at a $400 receipt and walked away empty-handed, you're not alone.

Here's the good news: Soolantra is not in a national FDA shortage. Here's the frustrating news: that doesn't mean it's easy to get. This guide breaks down the real reasons Soolantra is so hard to find—and what you can actually do about it in 2026.

Is Soolantra Currently in Shortage?

No. As of 2026, Soolantra (ivermectin 1% cream) is not on the FDA's official drug shortage list. The drug is manufactured by Galderma Laboratories and has a stable supply chain. A generic version of ivermectin 1% cream is also commercially available, which helps buffer supply.

So why do so many patients report difficulty getting it? The barriers are mostly about cost, insurance rules, and pharmacy stocking decisions—not a shortage.

Why Is Soolantra So Expensive?

Soolantra's list price is one of the biggest barriers to access. Brand-name Soolantra retails for roughly $378 to over $900 for a 45-gram tube, depending on the pharmacy. Even the generic version (ivermectin cream 1%) carries a retail price of several hundred dollars without a coupon.

These prices shock most patients. Unlike a blood pressure medication or antibiotic that costs $10-$20 at many pharmacies, Soolantra is a branded dermatology product with no over-the-counter equivalent. Its price remains elevated even as the generic has entered the market.

Does Insurance Usually Cover Soolantra?

Some insurance plans cover Soolantra, but coverage is inconsistent and often comes with conditions. Many health insurers place Soolantra on a higher formulary tier—meaning a higher copay—or require prior authorization before covering it.

The most common barrier is step therapy. Many insurance plans require that patients try less expensive rosacea treatments—such as generic metronidazole cream or oral doxycycline—and fail on them before the insurer will approve Soolantra. If your doctor prescribed Soolantra as a first-line treatment, your pharmacy claim may simply be rejected until you have documentation of step therapy.

Medicare Part D plans vary widely. Some cover Soolantra at a manageable copay; others place it in a higher tier or require prior authorization. Medicaid coverage also varies by state.

Do All Pharmacies Even Stock Soolantra?

Not every pharmacy keeps Soolantra on the shelf. Because it's an expensive specialty dermatology product with relatively limited demand compared to common medications, some independent pharmacies and smaller chain locations choose not to stock it routinely. Even larger chains may only carry one tube size or may be temporarily out of stock.

Calling ahead is often necessary—and patients report calling four or five pharmacies before finding one with Soolantra in stock. This is time-consuming and discouraging, especially when you're already dealing with a frustrating skin condition.

What Can You Do If You Can't Find Soolantra?

Here are your best options:

Use a coupon service. GoodRx and SingleCare coupons can bring the cost of generic ivermectin 1% cream down to around $93–$101 for a 45g tube, which is 75%+ off retail price.

Apply for the Galderma CAREConnect program. Galderma offers a patient assistance program for eligible patients who have difficulty affording Soolantra. Call 855-280-0543 or ask your dermatologist about eligibility.

Ask your doctor about the prior authorization process. If your insurance denied coverage, your doctor's office can submit a prior authorization with documentation supporting Soolantra as medically necessary.

Try a mail-order pharmacy. Many mail-order pharmacies stock Soolantra and can ship it directly to your door, sometimes at lower prices than retail locations.

Let medfinder do the work. medfinder calls pharmacies near you to find out which ones have your medication in stock. Instead of calling pharmacy after pharmacy yourself, you provide your medication and location and medfinder does the legwork—then texts you the results.

Should You Consider an Alternative to Soolantra?

If you're struggling with access or cost, it's worth talking to your dermatologist about alternatives. Topical metronidazole (MetroGel) is a well-established first-line rosacea treatment available in generic form at a fraction of the cost. Azelaic acid (Finacea) is another FDA-approved option that works well for both inflammation and background redness.

That said, clinical studies have shown Soolantra to be more effective than metronidazole gel for reducing papules and pustules in moderate-to-severe rosacea. If your doctor specifically chose Soolantra for your case, it's worth exploring all options to get it filled before switching.

How to Find Soolantra in Stock Near You

For a full breakdown of the best tools and strategies for finding Soolantra at a pharmacy near you, check out our guide: How to Find Soolantra in Stock Near You (Tools + Tips).

You can also use medfinder.com to have pharmacies near you checked for Soolantra availability—so you don't have to spend your afternoon on hold.