Xelstrym in 2026: What's Going On with Availability?

If you've been trying to fill a Xelstrym prescription and hitting dead ends, you're probably wondering: is Xelstrym in shortage? The answer is more nuanced than a simple yes or no — and understanding the situation can help you figure out your next steps.

In this update, we'll break down the current state of Xelstrym availability, why it's so hard to find, what it costs in 2026, and what options you have right now.

Is Xelstrym Still in Shortage?

As of early 2026, Xelstrym is not formally listed on the FDA's drug shortage database. However, many patients across the country report significant difficulty finding it at their local pharmacies.

This disconnect is common with newer specialty medications. A drug doesn't have to be on the FDA shortage list to be practically unavailable to you. In Xelstrym's case, the problem is less about manufacturing shortfalls and more about limited distribution and low pharmacy stocking.

Here's the key distinction:

• Traditional drug shortage: The manufacturer can't make enough to meet demand (supply problem)
• Xelstrym's situation: The drug is being produced, but most pharmacies don't carry it because of its specialized distribution network and newness to the market (access problem)

The broader context matters too. The stimulant shortage that began in late 2022 — affecting Adderall, Vyvanse, and other amphetamine medications — put enormous pressure on the entire ADHD medication supply chain. While that shortage has eased somewhat, its effects continue to ripple through the market.

Why Is Xelstrym Hard to Find?

Several factors contribute to Xelstrym's limited availability:

Limited Partner Pharmacy Network

Noven Pharmaceuticals distributes Xelstrym through its C.A.N. (Care Access Network) Partner Pharmacy program. Only enrolled pharmacies can stock and dispense it. This means your regular pharmacy — whether it's CVS, Walgreens, or a local shop — may not be able to fill your prescription unless they've joined the network.

No Generic Version

Xelstrym is brand-only with no generic equivalent. Pharmacies are more likely to stock medications that have generic options because they serve a broader patient base. A brand-only specialty product with a smaller patient population gets lower stocking priority.

DEA Quotas on Schedule II Stimulants

As a Schedule II controlled substance, Xelstrym is subject to DEA manufacturing quotas. These quotas limit how much Dextroamphetamine can be produced annually. When overall demand for stimulants is high — as it has been since ADHD diagnoses surged during and after the pandemic — these quotas create bottlenecks.

Newer Medication with Lower Awareness

Xelstrym was FDA-approved in March 2023 and commercially launched in 2024. Many prescribers and pharmacists are still becoming familiar with it. Low awareness means fewer prescriptions, which means less incentive for pharmacies to stock it — a cycle that limits access.

For a deeper dive, read our article on why Xelstrym is so hard to find.

How Much Does Xelstrym Cost in 2026?

Cost remains a significant barrier for many Xelstrym patients. Here's what to expect:

• Cash price (no insurance): $350–$500 per month for a 30-day supply
• With commercial insurance + copay card: As low as $0 per month through Noven's Copay Savings Program
• With insurance (no copay card): Varies widely; some plans cover it after prior authorization or step therapy, others don't cover it at all

Because there's no generic Xelstrym, you can't save money by switching to a generic version of the same patch. However, generic oral Dextroamphetamine tablets cost as little as $20–$40 per month and contain the same active ingredient.

For full details on savings strategies, see our guide on how to save money on Xelstrym.

Are There New Options for Xelstrym Patients?

A few developments in 2025–2026 are worth noting:

Growing Partner Pharmacy Network

Noven has been actively expanding its C.A.N. Partner Pharmacy network. More pharmacies are enrolling, which should gradually improve access. You can check the latest partner pharmacy locations through the Xelstrym website or the Mindful Patch app.

Generic Vyvanse (Lisdexamfetamine) Is Now Widely Available

If you're open to alternatives, generic Lisdexamfetamine (the generic form of Vyvanse) became available in 2023 and is now widely stocked. Since Vyvanse converts to Dextroamphetamine in your body, it provides a similar pharmacological effect through a different delivery method. It's typically $30–$80 per month with a coupon card.

Telehealth Prescribing

Many telehealth platforms now prescribe ADHD medications, including Xelstrym. If you're having trouble finding a prescriber, explore our guide on how to find a doctor who can prescribe Xelstrym.

How to Find Xelstrym in Stock Right Now

Here are the most effective steps to take today:

1. Search on Medfinder — check real-time pharmacy availability near you
2. Call the Noven C.A.N. Patient Access Team at 833-483-2178 (Mon–Fri, 9 AM–7 PM EST) — they'll help locate a partner pharmacy or set up home delivery
3. Try independent pharmacies — they're often more flexible about ordering specialty medications
4. Ask your pharmacy to special-order it — even non-partner pharmacies may be able to order Xelstrym through their wholesaler

For a complete walkthrough, read our guide on how to find Xelstrym in stock near you.

Final Thoughts

Xelstrym isn't in a traditional shortage, but it's genuinely difficult to access for many patients in 2026. The combination of limited distribution, no generic option, DEA manufacturing quotas, and low pharmacy awareness creates real barriers. The good news is that tools like Medfinder, Noven's patient access team, and a growing pharmacy network are making it easier to find. If Xelstrym is the right medication for you, keep trying — and know that effective alternatives exist if you need a backup plan.