Xeloda in 2026: What's the Current Situation?

If you or a loved one depends on Xeloda (Capecitabine) for cancer treatment, you've probably experienced the frustration of hearing "we're out of stock" at the pharmacy. Capecitabine supply disruptions have been an ongoing issue for cancer patients, and heading into 2026, the situation remains something patients need to actively manage.

This article gives you the latest information on the Xeloda shortage, what's driving it, how much it costs in 2026, and most importantly — what you can do to make sure you don't miss a dose.

Is Xeloda Still in Shortage?

As of early 2026, Capecitabine availability remains inconsistent across the United States. While the situation has improved compared to the worst periods in 2023 and 2024, patients in certain regions still report difficulty finding the medication at their local pharmacies.

The FDA Drug Shortage Database has listed Capecitabine among drugs with supply concerns, and the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) continues to track availability issues. The shortage is not universal — some pharmacies and regions have adequate supply, while others experience intermittent stockouts.

The bottom line: Capecitabine is available, but you may need to look beyond your usual pharmacy to find it. Using a tool like Medfinder can help you quickly locate pharmacies with stock in your area.

Why Is Xeloda Hard to Find?

Several factors continue to affect the supply of Capecitabine:

Manufacturing Capacity Issues

Generic Capecitabine is produced by multiple manufacturers, including Teva, Mylan (Viatris), Accord Healthcare, and others. Production disruptions at any one of these facilities — due to equipment maintenance, regulatory inspections, or quality issues — can reduce the total supply available to pharmacies nationwide.

Raw Material Constraints

The active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) for Capecitabine is sourced from a limited number of global suppliers. When these suppliers face their own production challenges, it creates a bottleneck that affects every manufacturer that depends on them.

Growing Demand

The use of oral chemotherapy has been steadily increasing as oncologists and patients prefer the convenience of home-based treatment. Capecitabine is one of the most commonly prescribed oral chemotherapy agents, and this growing demand has put additional pressure on an already strained supply chain.

Distribution Challenges

Oral chemotherapy drugs are often distributed through specialty pharmacy channels rather than standard retail pharmacy networks. This means that even when Capecitabine is being manufactured, it may not reach every pharmacy — particularly smaller or rural locations.

For a deeper dive into these factors, read our article on why Xeloda is so hard to find.

How Much Does Xeloda Cost in 2026?

Cost remains a significant concern for many patients, especially those without comprehensive insurance coverage:

• Brand-name Xeloda: Approximately $1,500–$3,500 per 3-week cycle, depending on your dose and pharmacy
• Generic Capecitabine (without insurance): Approximately $200–$800 per cycle, depending on the manufacturer, dose, and pharmacy
• Generic Capecitabine (with a discount card): As low as $150–$400 per cycle through services like GoodRx, SingleCare, or RxSaver

If cost is a barrier, there are several programs that can help. The Genentech Patient Foundation offers free Xeloda to qualifying uninsured patients, and organizations like the PAN Foundation and HealthWell Foundation provide co-pay assistance for oral oncology medications. Read our complete guide on how to save money on Xeloda in 2026.

Are There New Options for Patients?

While no new oral fluoropyrimidine has come to market specifically to replace Capecitabine, patients do have options:

• Multiple generic manufacturers: Having several companies producing Capecitabine means that even if one manufacturer is out, another's product may be available. Your pharmacist can check across manufacturers.
• IV 5-Fluorouracil: If oral Capecitabine is truly unavailable, your oncologist can switch you to IV 5-FU, which delivers the same active compound through an infusion. It's less convenient but widely available.
• Lonsurf (Trifluridine/Tipiracil): For certain cancer types, particularly later-line metastatic colorectal cancer, Lonsurf is an oral fluoropyrimidine alternative.

Learn more about your options in our guide on alternatives to Xeloda.

How to Find Xeloda in Stock Right Now

Here are the most effective strategies for finding Capecitabine in 2026:

1. Search on Medfinder — check real-time pharmacy availability near your location
2. Call independent pharmacies — they often have different supply channels than major chains
3. Ask your oncologist's office — they may know which local pharmacies have stock or be able to dispense from their office
4. Try specialty mail-order pharmacies — larger inventory pools often mean better availability
5. Request early refills — don't wait until you're out of medication; start the refill process 5–7 days before you need it

For a detailed walkthrough, see our post on how to find Xeloda in stock near you.

Final Thoughts

The Xeloda shortage in 2026 is not as severe as it was at its peak, but it remains an issue that cancer patients need to plan for. The key is to be proactive: start looking for your refill early, use tools like Medfinder to check availability, and stay in close communication with your oncology team. Gaps in chemotherapy treatment can have real consequences, so don't wait until you've taken your last tablet to start searching.

If you're also navigating the financial side, explore our guide on coupons, discounts, and patient assistance programs for Xeloda.