Drug Shortage Information
Lithium Shortage — Finding Lithium and Alternatives
Lithium may be in limited supply at some pharmacies. Script Unlock's network helps locate available stock. Script Unlock helps patients find available Lithium supply and connects you with licensed compounding pharmacies that may offer alternatives.
How to Find Lithium During a Shortage
- Independent pharmacies often maintain supply when chains run out
- Call ahead — pharmacies can tell you their current stock
- Script Unlock pharmacy network — updated availability from multiple pharmacies
- Mail-order pharmacies may have different supply chains
- Ask your pharmacist to check with their wholesaler for delivery ETA
Lithium Shortage Alternatives
- Alternative brand formulations: Eskalith
- Talk to your doctor about therapeutic alternatives for Bipolar Disorder
- Script Unlock pharmacy network — pharmacies update availability in real time
- Independent pharmacies often have supply when chains are out
Compounded Lithium During Shortage
Licensed compounding pharmacies can prepare Lithium Carbonate/Citrate using pharmaceutical-grade API when commercial Lithium is unavailable. Requirements: valid prescription + licensed 503A compounder. Script Unlock connects you with verified compounding pharmacies that may have Lithium Carbonate/Citrate available.
Find Lithium CompoundersFAQs — Lithium Shortage
Is Lithium still available despite the shortage?
Lithium availability varies by pharmacy and region. Script Unlock connects you with pharmacies that update their Lithium inventory. Independent and compounding pharmacies often have supply when chain pharmacies are out. Compounded Lithium Carbonate/Citrate is another option — ask your prescriber.
What are alternatives to Lithium during a shortage?
Alternatives during a Lithium shortage include: compounded Lithium Carbonate/Citrate from a licensed pharmacy, therapeutic alternatives prescribed by your doctor, and checking smaller independent pharmacies which often have supply when chains don't. Script Unlock helps find available Lithium and compounders.
Can a compounding pharmacy make Lithium during a shortage?
In many cases yes — licensed compounding pharmacies can prepare Lithium Carbonate/Citrate using the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) when the commercial product is unavailable. FDA regulations on compounding during shortages vary by drug. Script Unlock connects you with licensed compounders.