Struggling to find Xeloda or Capecitabine at your pharmacy? Learn why this cancer medication is hard to find in 2026 and what you can do about it.
You've just received your prescription for Xeloda (Capecitabine), and the last thing you expected to hear was, "We don't have it in stock." Unfortunately, that scenario has become all too common for cancer patients who depend on this oral chemotherapy medication. If you're frustrated and worried about gaps in your treatment, this article will explain exactly what's happening — and what you can do about it.
Xeloda is the brand name for Capecitabine, an oral chemotherapy drug made by Genentech (a Roche company). It belongs to a class of medications called fluoropyrimidines. Once you swallow the tablet, your body converts it into 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), a powerful cancer-fighting compound that works by blocking DNA synthesis in rapidly dividing cancer cells.
Xeloda is FDA-approved to treat:
It's also widely used off-label for pancreatic cancer, gastric cancer, and other malignancies. Xeloda comes in 150 mg and 500 mg tablets and is typically taken twice daily for 14 days, followed by 7 days off, in repeating 3-week cycles.
For a deeper look at how this medication works, check out our guide on how Xeloda works.
Several factors have combined to make Xeloda and generic Capecitabine difficult to locate at pharmacies across the country. Here are the main reasons:
The majority of Capecitabine prescriptions are filled with generic versions made by companies like Teva, Mylan (Viatris), and Accord Healthcare. When one or more of these manufacturers experience production problems — equipment failures, quality control issues, or regulatory inspections — the supply chain takes a hit. Since 2022, intermittent shutdowns at generic manufacturing facilities have created ripple effects that are still being felt.
The active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) used to manufacture Capecitabine are sourced from a limited number of global suppliers. Disruptions in raw material supply — whether from geopolitical tensions, shipping delays, or quality issues — can slow production across multiple manufacturers simultaneously.
More oncologists are prescribing oral chemotherapy options like Capecitabine because they allow patients to receive treatment at home rather than in an infusion center. This shift, while beneficial for patients, has increased demand beyond what some manufacturers anticipated. When demand outpaces supply, shortages follow.
Unlike common medications that are stocked at every corner pharmacy, oral chemotherapy drugs like Xeloda are often channeled through specialty pharmacies. Not every retail pharmacy keeps Capecitabine on the shelf, and when they do, they may only stock limited quantities. This creates a patchwork of availability where some pharmacies have supply while others run dry.
For the latest information on the current shortage situation, see our Xeloda shortage update for 2026.
A gap in chemotherapy treatment can be stressful and potentially harmful. Here are practical steps you can take right now:
Medfinder helps you search for pharmacies that currently have Xeloda or generic Capecitabine in stock near your location. Instead of calling pharmacy after pharmacy, you can check availability in one place.
Large chain pharmacies aren't your only option. Independent pharmacies and specialty oncology pharmacies often maintain different inventory channels and may have stock when chains don't. Your oncologist's office may also have relationships with specific pharmacies that reliably carry oral chemotherapy drugs.
If you're unable to fill your Xeloda prescription within a day or two, contact your oncology team. They may be able to:
Some patients have better luck with mail-order specialty pharmacies, which often have larger inventory pools. Ask your insurance company which specialty pharmacy is in-network, as they may be able to ship Capecitabine directly to your door.
If cost is a barrier on top of availability issues, Genentech offers the Xeloda Co-pay Assistance Program for commercially insured patients and the Genentech Patient Foundation for uninsured or underinsured patients. Organizations like the PAN Foundation and HealthWell Foundation also provide co-pay assistance for oral chemotherapy. Learn more in our guide on how to save money on Xeloda.
Before driving to a pharmacy, it's worth confirming they actually have your medication. Here are your options:
For more tips, read our detailed guide on how to check if a pharmacy has Xeloda in stock.
Finding Xeloda shouldn't be this difficult, but supply chain realities in 2026 mean that many cancer patients face this challenge. The most important thing is to act quickly if your pharmacy can't fill your prescription. Use tools like Medfinder, lean on your oncology team, and explore specialty pharmacy options. Your treatment timeline matters, and there are resources available to help you stay on track.
If you're looking for a prescriber, our guide on finding a doctor who can prescribe Xeloda may also be helpful.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
Try Medfinder Concierge FreeMedfinder's mission is to ensure every patient gets access to the medications they need. We believe this begins with trustworthy information. Our core values guide everything we do, including the standards that shape the accuracy, transparency, and quality of our content. We’re committed to delivering information that’s evidence-based, regularly updated, and easy to understand. For more details on our editorial process, see here.
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