Finacea® (tazarotene 0.1 % gel) is a prescription topical retinoid approved for the treatment of rosacea. In recent months many U.S. patients and prescribers have noticed that Finacea is not available in the usual pharmacies—an issue that has been reported as a drug shortage.
---
Why the shortage happens
| Factor | What it means for patients |
|--------|----------------------------|
| Manufacturing problems | A single plant can halt production of a specific strength or formulation, leaving the supply chain disrupted. |
| Regulatory delays | Required inspections, data submissions, or labeling changes can pause distribution. |
| Demand spikes | Popular new indications or a surge in prescriptions can outstrip supply. |
| Supply chain hiccups | Delays in raw‑material sourcing, logistics, or packaging can cause bottlenecks. |
Finacea’s manufacturer (Bristol‑Myers Squibb) has publicly noted “temporary supply constraints” but is working to increase output. The FDA’s Drug Shortages database lists Finacea as a current shortage (see: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-shortages).
---
How it affects you
* Prescription fulfillment – Your pharmacy may say “out of stock” or “discontinued” when you ask for Finacea.
* Cost – When a drug is short, prices can rise.
* Treatment pause – Without Finacea, you might experience worsening rosacea symptoms (redness, papules, pustules).
---
What to do
1. Talk to your prescriber
Explain the shortage. Your doctor may keep you on a current prescription until supply returns or prescribe an alternative.
2. Ask the pharmacy about alternatives
Pharmacists can suggest therapeutically comparable options that are in stock.
3. Check the FDA’s Drug Shortages page
Updates on status and expected resolution date are posted there.
4. Consider a “shortage‑discontinued” medication switch
Your prescriber can provide a written explanation and documentation if you need to file a claim or request prior authorization for a substitute.
---
Common alternative rosacea treatments
| Category | Example | Typical usage | Notes |
|----------|--------|---------------|-------|
| Topical antimicrobials | Metronidazole gel, Ivermectin cream | 1 % gel or 1 % cream once nightly | Effective for papulopustular rosacea |
| Topical antibiotics | Clindamycin gel 1 % | Twice daily | Reduces inflammation & bacterial load |
| Topical retinoid | Adapalene (Differin) | Once daily | May be less potent than tazarotene but still reduces inflammation |
| Oral antibiotics | Doxycycline 100 mg BID or doxycycline 40 mg BID (low‑dose) | 5–12 weeks | Good for moderate‑to‑severe rosacea; watch for photosensitivity |
| Topical calcineurin inhibitors | Tacrolimus 0.1 % ointment | Twice daily | Useful for erythema and flushing |
| Systemic anti‑inflammatories | Azithromycin or clarithromycin | 1‑2 weeks | For acute flares or severe disease |
Tip: The best alternative depends on the type of rosacea you have (erythematotelangiectatic, papulopustular, phymatous) and your tolerance for side effects.
---
When Finacea may be available again
| Indicator | What it means |
|-----------|----------------|
| “Supply back‑filled” status | The manufacturer has produced new batches. |
| “Resumption of distribution” | The drug is back on the market but may still be limited. |
| “Discontinuation” | The product will no longer be produced; you will need a substitute. |
Check the FDA’s database monthly or sign up for a drug‑shortage alert if you’re a prescriber or pharmacist.
---
Bottom line
- Finacea is temporarily unavailable in many pharmacies because of manufacturing and supply‑chain issues.
- Your prescriber can help you transition to an effective alternative while you wait for the shortage to resolve.
- Keep a close eye on the FDA drug‑shortage listings and communicate openly with both your prescriber and pharmacy.
If you have any specific questions about your current prescription, side‑effect profile, or how to manage rosacea symptoms during the shortage, let me know!