Kenacort Retard Shortage: What Allergy Sufferers Need to Recognize
Millions of allergy sufferers may face challenges accessing a key treatment as a supply issue impacts Kenacort Retard, a corticosteroid medication widely used in France. The manufacturer, Bristol-Myers Squibb, has informed healthcare professionals of production delays that will lead to a limited supply and potential stockouts.
Supply Issues and Quotas
On February 17, 2026, Bristol-Myers Squibb alerted the French Medicines Agency (ANSM) to supply tensions concerning Kenacort Retard 40 mg/1 ml, citing a “production delay.”1 a quantitative quota has been implemented, limiting the amount of the drug released to the market. This controlled distribution aims to prevent a complete shortage and ensure doses are available nationwide.
The laboratory anticipates that current volumes will meet national needs for the next three months. Although, a complete stockout is possible in pharmacies by May 2026, and in hospitals towards the end of May.
What is Kenacort Retard?
Kenacort Retard is a potent anti-inflammatory corticosteroid used to treat several conditions, including:
- Severe seasonal allergic rhinitis (after other treatments have failed)
- Certain severe dermatological conditions
- Specific rheumatological diseases (inflammatory arthritis, severe osteoarthritis)
The “Retard” designation indicates that this formulation is a sustained-release medication, providing a gradual and prolonged effect – sometimes lasting several weeks – after a single injection.
Available Alternatives
Bristol-Myers Squibb has identified several alternative injectable corticosteroids that can be considered if Kenacort Retard is unavailable. These include:
- Betamethasone
- Prednisolone
- Methylprednisolone
- Dexamethasone
While these alternatives belong to the same family of steroidal anti-inflammatories and offer comparable effectiveness in reducing inflammation, their pharmacological profiles – particularly potency and duration of action – may differ. Given that Kenacort Retard is a prolonged-release formulation, switching to an alternative may require adjustments to dosage or frequency of administration.
What Should Patients Do?
Patients currently prescribed Kenacort Retard are advised to consult with their doctor to discuss potential treatment adjustments and avoid abrupt therapeutic interruption. Open communication with your healthcare provider is crucial to ensure continued effective management of your condition.
Understanding Allergic Rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis, often called hay fever, is a common immune response to airborne allergens.3 Symptoms can include sneezing, a runny nose, itchy eyes, and fatigue.4 Spring allergies typically occur from February to early summer, though this can vary depending on location.1 Approximately 26% of adults and 19% of children in the United States experience seasonal allergies.3