A provider briefing on Chlorophyllin availability in 2026. Covers supply status, prescribing considerations, alternatives, and tools to help patients find it.
Chlorophyllin Copper Complex — marketed as Derifil, Chloresium, PALS, Nullo, and Chlorofresh — is an OTC internal deodorant used by patients with colostomies, ileostomies, and fecal incontinence to manage odor. While it's a straightforward product, patients are increasingly reporting difficulty finding it at their local pharmacies.
This briefing covers the current supply situation, what it means for your clinical practice, and what tools and alternatives are available to support your patients.
Chlorophyllin has been available as an OTC internal deodorant for decades. The FDA finalized its monograph for internal deodorant products, recognizing both Chlorophyllin Copper Complex and Bismuth Subgallate as safe and effective for reducing colostomy, ileostomy, and incontinence odor.
Over the past several years, availability has fluctuated for specific reasons:
Since Chlorophyllin is an OTC product, it doesn't require a prescription. However, providers frequently recommend it to patients post-colostomy or ileostomy surgery, or to patients managing chronic incontinence. There are several considerations to keep in mind:
There's an important distinction between the OTC drug version (Derifil) and supplement versions (Chlorofresh, Nullo). While both contain Chlorophyllin Copper Complex, OTC drugs are manufactured under FDA drug standards (cGMP), whereas supplements follow dietary supplement manufacturing regulations. For most patients, this difference is clinically insignificant, but it's worth noting when discussing options.
The standard dosing for adult patients is:
There are no known significant drug interactions. The primary side effects are benign: green discoloration of urine and stool, and occasional GI cramping or diarrhea at higher doses. Advise patients about potential photosensitivity — they should use sunscreen (SPF 30+) when outdoors.
Use caution in patients with liver disease, diabetes, cancer, or immunocompromised states. Safety in pregnancy and lactation has not been established (Category C equivalent — animal studies show some risk, human studies unavailable). Advise pregnant or breastfeeding patients to discuss risks and benefits with their provider.
As of 2026, the availability of Chlorophyllin breaks down as follows:
Chlorophyllin is not on the FDA's drug shortage list. The availability issues are market-driven rather than supply-driven.
Chlorophyllin products are generally affordable, ranging from $8-$30 per bottle. However, since they're classified as OTC products, most insurance plans do not cover them. This can be a barrier for patients on fixed incomes, particularly elderly patients managing chronic incontinence.
Key points for your practice:
Several tools can help you and your staff support patients who are struggling to find Chlorophyll:
Medfinder offers a provider-facing platform that helps you check pharmacy availability for medications and supplements. You can direct patients to medfinder.com, or your staff can use it to identify pharmacies that stock Chlorophyllin before the patient leaves your office.
Consider sharing these resources with your patients:
When Chlorophyllin isn't available, consider recommending:
The Chlorophyllin market is unlikely to see dramatic changes in the near term. The product will continue to occupy a niche position, with supplement versions being more accessible than pharmaceutical-grade formulations. The growing online retail market has improved access significantly, and most patients can obtain Chlorophyllin products with minimal effort through online purchasing.
For providers, the key is awareness: know that your patients may struggle to find this product locally, have alternative recommendations ready, and direct patients to tools like Medfinder that can simplify the search process.
Chlorophyllin Copper Complex remains a safe, effective, and affordable option for managing ostomy and incontinence odor. While local availability can be inconsistent, the product is not in formal shortage and can be obtained through online retailers and specialty pharmacies. By proactively discussing availability and alternatives with patients, you can help them maintain quality of life without unnecessary stress.
For additional clinical information, see our companion guides:
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