Is Crinone Still Hard to Find in 2026?

If you've been searching for Crinone and coming up empty, you're probably wondering: is there an official shortage? The short answer is that Crinone is not currently listed on the FDA's drug shortage database as of early 2026. But that doesn't mean it's easy to find at your local pharmacy.

Crinone is a specialty Progesterone vaginal gel used primarily in fertility treatments and for secondary amenorrhea. Because it serves a niche patient population, many pharmacies simply don't stock it — which can make it feel like there's a shortage even when supply exists.

Here's everything you need to know about Crinone availability, cost, and your options in 2026.

Is Crinone Officially in Shortage?

As of February 2026, Crinone is not on the FDA's official drug shortage list. The broader Progesterone market has seen some supply challenges — particularly with oral Progesterone formulations and compounded products — but Crinone vaginal gel has remained relatively stable in terms of manufacturing supply.

However, "not in shortage" doesn't mean "easy to find." The real issue for most patients is that Crinone is a specialty product that many retail pharmacies don't carry. If you've called CVS, Walgreens, or your local chain pharmacy and been told they don't have it, that's a stocking issue — not necessarily a shortage.

Why Is Crinone Hard to Find?

Several factors make Crinone challenging to locate:

• Small patient population: Crinone is primarily prescribed by reproductive endocrinologists and OB/GYNs for fertility patients — a much smaller market than common chronic medications.
• Rising demand for fertility treatments: IVF cycles in the U.S. have been increasing year over year, putting more pressure on the supply of fertility-specific medications.
• Pharmacy stocking decisions: Retail pharmacies make inventory decisions based on demand volume. Low-turnover specialty drugs like Crinone often get deprioritized.
• Insurance restrictions: Some plans require specialty pharmacy dispensing, limiting where you can fill the prescription even if stock exists elsewhere.

For a deeper dive, see our article on why Crinone is so hard to find.

How Much Does Crinone Cost in 2026?

Crinone is not a cheap medication. Here's what you can expect to pay:

• Retail cash price: $450-$700 for a box of 15 applicators (Crinone 8%) at major chain pharmacies
• With GoodRx Gold: As low as $453 for 15 applicators
• Specialty IVF pharmacies: As low as $65 for 15 applicators through discount fertility medication providers
• Patient assistance programs: Approximately $80/month through programs like The Rx Advocates

The price difference between retail and specialty pharmacies is dramatic. If you're paying out of pocket, a specialty IVF pharmacy could save you hundreds of dollars per refill. Learn more in our guide to saving money on Crinone.

Are There New Options in 2026?

The landscape for vaginal Progesterone products has expanded somewhat in recent years:

• Generic Progesterone gel may be available at some pharmacies at a lower cost than brand-name Crinone, though availability varies.
• Endometrin continues to be a widely available alternative vaginal Progesterone product.
• Prometrium capsules used vaginally remain a popular off-label alternative and are significantly cheaper (starting around $12 with a coupon).
• Compounded Progesterone suppositories are available from compounding pharmacies when commercial products are hard to find.

For a full comparison of your options, read alternatives to Crinone.

How to Find Crinone in Stock Right Now

Here are the most effective strategies:

1. Search on Medfinder — check real-time pharmacy availability near your zip code.
2. Contact specialty IVF pharmacies — these are your best bet for both availability and price.
3. Ask your fertility clinic — many clinics have preferred pharmacy networks and can help you source the medication quickly.
4. Try independent pharmacies — they often have more stocking flexibility than chains.
5. Consider mail-order — specialty mail-order pharmacies can ship Crinone to your door, often at lower prices.

For step-by-step guidance, visit how to find Crinone in stock near you.

Final Thoughts

Crinone isn't in an official shortage in 2026, but finding it at a local pharmacy can still be a challenge. The good news is that supply exists — you just need to know where to look. Specialty IVF pharmacies and tools like Medfinder can save you time, stress, and potentially hundreds of dollars.

If you're concerned about Crinone side effects, check out our guide on Crinone side effects and when to call your doctor. And if you're a healthcare provider looking for the clinical perspective, see our provider-focused shortage update.