Struggling to find Symproic at your pharmacy? Learn why this opioid-induced constipation medication is so hard to find in 2026 and what you can do about it.
You finally got a prescription for Symproic (Naldemedine) — a medication that's supposed to help with the constipation caused by your opioid pain medication. But when you get to the pharmacy, they tell you it's not in stock. You call around to other pharmacies. Same answer.
This is a frustrating situation that thousands of patients are dealing with in 2026. But why is Symproic so difficult to find? And more importantly, what can you do about it?
Symproic is the brand name for Naldemedine, a prescription medication approved by the FDA in 2017. It belongs to a class of drugs called peripherally-acting mu-opioid receptor antagonists (PAMORAs).
In simpler terms, Symproic blocks the effects of opioid pain medications in your gut — without interfering with the pain relief those medications provide. It comes as a 0.2 mg tablet taken once daily and is specifically approved for opioid-induced constipation (OIC) in adults with chronic non-cancer pain.
For more details about how this medication works, check out our guide on how Symproic works.
There are several reasons why you may be struggling to find Symproic at your local pharmacy. Here are the main factors:
As of 2026, there is no generic version of Naldemedine available in the United States. That means every prescription must be filled with the brand-name Symproic. Generic medications are typically produced by multiple manufacturers, which makes them easier to stock. Brand-only drugs like Symproic rely on a single supply chain, making them more vulnerable to distribution gaps.
Opioid-induced constipation is a real and common problem — but it's still a relatively specialized condition. Not every pharmacy stocks medications for OIC because the demand at any given location may be low. Large chain pharmacies tend to stock high-volume medications and may not keep Symproic on their shelves unless patients regularly fill it there.
The cash price for Symproic runs between $484 and $746 for a 30-day supply. Even with insurance, copays can be significant, and many plans require prior authorization or step therapy (trying a laxative first) before covering the drug. This means fewer prescriptions are written and filled, which further reduces the incentive for pharmacies to keep it in stock.
Looking for ways to bring the cost down? See our post on how to save money on Symproic.
Symproic is marketed in the U.S. by BioDelivery Sciences International (now part of Collegium Pharmaceutical), which licensed commercialization rights from the Japanese developer Shionogi. As a specialty pharmaceutical product, it doesn't have the widespread distribution network that mainstream medications enjoy. Some wholesalers may not carry it regularly, and pharmacies may need to place special orders.
If you're having trouble finding Symproic, here are some practical steps you can take:
Medfinder helps you search for pharmacies near you that currently have Symproic in stock. Instead of calling pharmacy after pharmacy, you can check availability online and save yourself time and frustration.
Independent pharmacies and specialty pharmacies are often more willing to order niche medications like Symproic. They may also have more flexibility in working with different wholesalers. Don't limit your search to just the big chain pharmacies.
If you truly cannot find Symproic, there are alternative medications for opioid-induced constipation, including Movantik (Naloxegol), Relistor (Methylnaltrexone), and Amitiza (Lubiprostone). Your doctor can help determine which option may work best for you.
The Symproic Savings Program may be able to help you locate a pharmacy that stocks the medication. You can also ask about their patient assistance options if cost is a barrier.
If you've found a pharmacy that carries Symproic, try to refill your prescription a few days before you run out. This gives the pharmacy time to reorder if they need to, and it prevents gaps in your treatment.
Symproic is an effective medication for opioid-induced constipation, but finding it in stock can be a real challenge in 2026. The combination of brand-only availability, high cost, niche demand, and limited distribution means you may need to put in a little extra effort to fill your prescription.
The good news is that tools like Medfinder exist to help. And if Symproic isn't available, there are alternatives your doctor can prescribe. Don't give up — relief from OIC is possible.
For more tips on filling your prescription, read our guide on how to find Symproic in stock near you.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
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