Sutab is hard to find at many pharmacies in 2026. Learn why this colonoscopy prep tablet faces supply issues and what you can do to get it filled.
You've got a colonoscopy coming up, your doctor prescribed Sutab, and now the pharmacy says they don't have it in stock. Sound familiar? You're far from the only one dealing with this problem.
Sutab is one of the most popular colonoscopy prep medications in the United States — and for good reason. It's the only tablet-form bowel preparation available, which means no drinking large volumes of unpleasant-tasting liquid. But that popularity has made it surprisingly difficult to find at times.
In this article, we'll explain exactly what Sutab is, why it's been hard to find, and what steps you can take to get your prescription filled before your procedure.
Sutab is a prescription osmotic laxative used to cleanse the colon before a colonoscopy. Its active ingredients are Sodium Sulfate, Magnesium Sulfate, and Potassium Chloride. It's manufactured by Braintree Laboratories, Inc.
What makes Sutab unique is its tablet form. Instead of drinking a large jug of liquid prep solution, patients swallow 12 tablets the evening before the procedure and another 12 tablets the morning of, along with water. This has made Sutab extremely popular with patients who dread the traditional liquid prep experience.
To learn more about how Sutab works, check out our guide: What Is Sutab? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know.
There are several reasons you might be having trouble finding Sutab at your local pharmacy in 2026.
There is no generic version of Sutab tablets. Braintree Laboratories is the only company that manufactures this drug. When there's only one manufacturer, any disruption in production — maintenance shutdowns, raw material delays, or quality control issues — can cause supply problems across the entire country.
Colonoscopies are one of the most commonly performed medical procedures in the United States, with millions performed each year. The American Cancer Society recommends screening colonoscopies starting at age 45. As more patients and providers learn about Sutab's tablet format, demand has grown significantly since the drug was first approved in 2020. Many patients specifically ask their doctors for the tablet option, putting additional pressure on supply.
Many insurance plans, including Medicare Part D and Medicaid, do not cover Sutab or require prior authorization. This means some pharmacies don't keep it in stock because they see limited demand from insured patients. Other pharmacies that do carry it may run out quickly as cash-paying patients concentrate there.
Not every pharmacy stocks Sutab routinely. Large chain pharmacies may not carry it at every location, and independent pharmacies may order it only when a prescription comes in. Distribution can also be uneven, with some regions experiencing more availability than others.
If your pharmacy doesn't have Sutab in stock, don't panic. You have several options.
The fastest way to find Sutab near you is to use Medfinder, a free tool that checks pharmacy stock in real time. Just enter your medication and zip code, and you'll see which pharmacies near you currently have Sutab available.
Independent pharmacies often have more flexibility in their ordering than large chain stores. They may be willing to special-order Sutab for you if they don't have it on the shelf. Call a few in your area and ask.
Gastroenterology offices prescribe colonoscopy prep medications every day. They often know which local pharmacies reliably stock Sutab and can direct you to the right place. Some offices may even have samples available.
If your colonoscopy is scheduled weeks in advance, ask your doctor to send the Sutab prescription early. This gives the pharmacy time to order it if they don't have it in stock, and gives you time to find an alternative pharmacy if needed.
If you simply cannot find Sutab in time for your procedure, talk to your doctor about alternatives. Medications like Suprep, GoLYTELY, Clenpiq, or Suflave are liquid-based bowel preps that are more widely available and often covered by insurance.
Sutab's popularity is a double-edged sword. Patients love it because it's easier to take than liquid preps, but that same demand — combined with single-manufacturer supply — means it can be hard to find.
The good news is that with a little planning and the right tools, most patients can get their Sutab prescription filled. Start with Medfinder to check real-time availability near you, and don't wait until the last minute to fill your prescription.
For more tips, read our guide on How to Find Sutab in Stock Near You.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
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