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

Updated:

February 18, 2026

Author:

Peter Daggett

Summarize this blog with AI:

Struggling to find Zilxi at your pharmacy? Learn why this rosacea foam is hard to find in 2026 and what you can do to get your prescription filled.

Why Is Zilxi So Hard to Find?

If you've been prescribed Zilxi (Minocycline topical foam, 1.5%) for your rosacea and can't seem to find it at any pharmacy nearby, you're not alone. Many patients across the country have reported difficulty filling their Zilxi prescriptions, leaving them frustrated and unsure of what to do next.

In this guide, we'll explain what Zilxi is, why it can be so hard to find, and — most importantly — what steps you can take right now to get your medication.

What Is Zilxi?

Zilxi is the first and only topical minocycline foam approved by the FDA for treating the inflammatory pimples and bumps (papules and pustules) caused by rosacea in adults. It's made by Journey Medical Corporation and comes as a 1.5% foam that you apply once daily to the affected areas of your face.

Unlike oral antibiotics such as Doxycycline, Zilxi works directly on the skin, which can mean fewer systemic side effects. It belongs to the tetracycline class of antibiotics and works by reducing inflammation and fighting bacteria on the skin's surface.

For more details about how the medication works, check out our article on how Zilxi works.

Why Is Zilxi So Hard to Find in 2026?

There are several reasons why you may be having trouble finding Zilxi at your local pharmacy:

1. It's a Brand-Name Specialty Product With No Generic

As of 2026, there is no generic version of Zilxi available. This means it's only manufactured by one company — Journey Medical Corporation. When a medication has only one manufacturer and no generic competition, supply can be more limited compared to widely available generics.

Many pharmacies — especially large chain pharmacies — may not keep Zilxi in stock regularly because it's a specialty product that isn't prescribed as frequently as something like Metronidazole gel or Azelaic Acid cream.

2. High Cost Limits Demand

Zilxi can cost between $400 and $600 per canister without insurance. That high price tag means fewer prescriptions get filled, and pharmacies may not see enough demand to justify keeping it on their shelves. It's a bit of a catch-22: low demand leads to low stock, which makes it harder for the patients who do need it.

3. Insurance Barriers and Prior Authorization

Many insurance plans require prior authorization and step therapy before they'll cover Zilxi. This means your doctor may need to show that you've already tried and failed other rosacea treatments — like Metronidazole, Ivermectin (Soolantra), or Azelaic Acid (Finacea) — before the insurer will approve coverage.

These hurdles slow down the process and can add days or even weeks before a pharmacy can fill your prescription. Learn more about saving money on Zilxi to navigate these costs.

4. Limited Pharmacy Stocking

Because Zilxi is a newer, specialty medication, not all pharmacies carry it. Large chain pharmacies tend to stock the most commonly prescribed medications and may need to special-order Zilxi. Independent pharmacies or specialty pharmacies may be more willing to order it for you.

What You Can Do to Find Zilxi

Don't lose hope — there are several practical steps you can take to locate Zilxi and get your prescription filled:

Use Medfinder to Check Stock in Real Time

Medfinder lets you search for Zilxi availability at pharmacies near you. Instead of calling pharmacy after pharmacy, you can check stock levels online and find a pharmacy that has it right now.

Try Independent and Specialty Pharmacies

Independent pharmacies often have more flexibility to order specialty medications and may be more willing to work with you to get Zilxi in stock. Ask your dermatologist if they can recommend a pharmacy that regularly fills Zilxi prescriptions.

Ask Your Doctor About Transferring the Prescription

If your current pharmacy can't get Zilxi, ask your prescriber to send the prescription to a pharmacy that has it. Your doctor's office may also have samples available to bridge the gap while you wait.

Contact Journey Medical Corporation Directly

The manufacturer may be able to help you locate a pharmacy with stock or connect you with their patient support services. You can reach them at 1-844-375-3673.

For more tips on locating the medication, read our guide on how to find Zilxi in stock near you.

What If You Still Can't Find Zilxi?

If you've exhausted your options and still can't get Zilxi, talk to your dermatologist about alternatives to Zilxi. Several other topical and oral treatments are available for rosacea, including:

  • Metronidazole (MetroGel, MetroCream) — a widely available topical antibiotic
  • Ivermectin (Soolantra) — a topical cream that targets Demodex mites
  • Azelaic Acid (Finacea) — a topical gel that reduces inflammation
  • Doxycycline (Oracea) — a low-dose oral antibiotic for moderate-to-severe rosacea

These alternatives may be easier to find and more affordable, especially since generics are available for most of them.

Final Thoughts

Finding Zilxi in 2026 can be a challenge, but it's not impossible. The main obstacles — limited manufacturing, high cost, insurance barriers, and low pharmacy stocking — are all things that can be worked around with the right approach.

Start by checking Medfinder to see which pharmacies near you have Zilxi in stock. If that doesn't work, reach out to independent pharmacies, ask your doctor for help, or explore alternative treatments.

For the latest on availability, check out our Zilxi shortage update for 2026.

Is Zilxi on backorder or in shortage in 2026?

As of early 2026, Zilxi is not listed on the FDA or ASHP drug shortage databases. However, because it is a brand-name specialty product with no generic, many pharmacies do not routinely stock it, which can make it feel like a shortage for patients trying to fill their prescriptions.

Why won't my pharmacy order Zilxi for me?

Some pharmacies — especially large chains — may be hesitant to order specialty products like Zilxi because of low demand and high cost (around $400-$600 per canister). Try calling independent pharmacies or specialty pharmacies, which are often more willing to special-order medications.

Can I get Zilxi through mail-order pharmacy?

Yes, some mail-order and specialty pharmacies may carry Zilxi. Check with your insurance plan's preferred mail-order pharmacy, or use Medfinder to search for pharmacies that have it in stock. Mail-order can sometimes be a more reliable option for specialty medications.

Is there a generic version of Zilxi available?

No, as of 2026 there is no generic version of Zilxi (Minocycline topical foam, 1.5%). It is only available as a brand-name product from Journey Medical Corporation. This is one of the main reasons it can be difficult to find and expensive.

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