What to do if Lunesta is in shortage — for Mexico
Drug shortages happen periodically — manufacturing issues, supply chain disruptions, regulatory holds — and Lunesta (Eszopiclone) may become temporarily unavailable in some pharmacies or countries. For chronic users at 1mg, 2mg, 3mg, knowing how to handle a shortage prevents unnecessary treatment interruption.
Mexico context
Drug shortages in Mexico are tracked by COFEPRIS (Comisión Federal para la Protección contra Riesgos Sanitarios) when significant. For Lunesta, shortage of one strength or one manufacturer rarely means total unavailability of Eszopiclone — authorised generics or alternative manufacturers usually fill the gap, with the pharmacist coordinating substitution and the prescriber confirming any formulation change at 1mg, 2mg, 3mg.
- Regulator
- COFEPRIS (Comisión Federal para la Protección contra Riesgos Sanitarios)
- Currency
- MXN
How shortages work for Lunesta
When Lunesta is in shortage, the pharmacist usually has several options: dispense an authorised generic of Eszopiclone, source from a different manufacturer of the same active ingredient, suggest a different formulation (e.g. liquid, dispersible) or, in extended shortages, ask the prescriber to consider an alternative Sleep Aids and Hypnotics agent. Eszopiclone is a positive allosteric modulator of the GABA-A receptor at a site close to the benzodiazepine binding site.
Practical steps
According to general pharmacy practice, the first step in a Lunesta shortage is to ask the pharmacist about authorised generic availability — most shortages affect a single brand or strength, not the entire supply of Eszopiclone at 1mg, 2mg, 3mg. The prescriber should be informed if the pharmacist needs to substitute or change formulation. Stockpiling or buying extra outside regulated channels is not the right response.
Frequently asked questions
What do I do if my pharmacy doesn't have Lunesta? ▾
Ask the pharmacist whether an authorised generic of Eszopiclone is available — usually yes — or whether another pharmacy in the area has stock of Lunesta at 1mg, 2mg, 3mg. The pharmacist can also contact the prescriber if a formulation switch is needed.
Will Lunesta come back in stock? ▾
Most shortages are resolved within weeks to months as manufacturing or supply issues are fixed. Until then, the authorised generic of Eszopiclone is the standard alternative and is clinically equivalent to Lunesta at the same 1mg, 2mg, 3mg strength.
What to do if Lunesta is in shortage in other countries
- the United StatesFDA (Food and Drug Administration)
- the United KingdomMHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency)
- SpainAEMPS (Agencia Española de Medicamentos y Productos Sanitarios)
- ArgentinaANMAT (Administración Nacional de Medicamentos, Alimentos y Tecnología Médica)
- GermanyBfArM (Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte)
- FranceANSM (Agence nationale de sécurité du médicament et des produits de santé)
- ItalyAIFA (Agenzia Italiana del Farmaco)
- BrazilANVISA (Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária)
- CanadaHealth Canada
The information on this website is provided for reference and educational purposes only. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.