The Cromolyn Shortage in 2026: Where Things Stand

If you take Cromolyn Sodium — whether as Gastrocrom or a generic version — you've likely experienced the frustration of this drug shortage firsthand. What started in mid-2023 has stretched into 2026, and patients across the country continue to report difficulty finding the oral solution at their pharmacies.

This post breaks down everything you need to know about the Cromolyn shortage in 2026: what's causing it, whether it's getting better, how much it costs, and what you can do to stay on your medication.

Is Cromolyn Still in Shortage?

Yes. As of early 2026, Cromolyn Sodium oral solution (100 mg/5 mL) remains on the FDA's active drug shortage list. Multiple manufacturers are affected, and supply continues to be inconsistent.

Here's a quick look at the current manufacturer status:

• Micro Labs — has reported difficulty obtaining the active ingredient. Supply is intermittent.
• Viatris/Meda (Gastrocrom) — available in some locations but not consistently stocked.
• Rising Pharmaceuticals — has had limited availability; periodic restocking.
• Omnivium Pharmaceuticals — changed its NDC number, causing pharmacy ordering confusion. The new NDC is 81665-0104-96.
• Woodward Pharma — discontinued its Cromolyn product entirely.

The nasal spray form (NasalCrom) is generally not affected by this shortage and remains available over the counter at most pharmacies for about $15 to $20.

Why Is Cromolyn Hard to Find?

The shortage has several root causes that have been persistent since 2023:

1. Active ingredient supply issues — sourcing Cromolyn Sodium API (active pharmaceutical ingredient) has been difficult for manufacturers
2. Increased demand — more patients are being diagnosed with MCAS and mastocytosis, driving higher demand
3. Manufacturer exits — Woodward's discontinuation reduced overall production capacity
4. NDC confusion — Omnivium's NDC change made some pharmacies believe the drug was discontinued

For a deeper dive into these causes, see Why Is Cromolyn So Hard to Find?

How Much Does Cromolyn Cost in 2026?

The cost of Cromolyn depends on whether you have insurance, which form you take, and where you fill your prescription.

Oral Solution (Prescription)

• Cash price without coupons: $300 to $400+ per month for a 96-ampule box
• With GoodRx coupon: starting around $134 for 96 ampules
• With SingleCare coupon: similar savings available
• Compounded capsules: $200 to $250 for a 60- to 90-day supply
• Prescription Hope: $70/month through their patient assistance program

Nasal Spray (OTC)

• NasalCrom: approximately $15 to $20 at most pharmacies, no prescription needed

For detailed savings strategies, see How to Save Money on Cromolyn in 2026.

Are There New Options for Patients?

While no new Cromolyn manufacturers have entered the market recently, there are some developments worth noting:

• Compounding pharmacies have become an increasingly important source for patients. Compounded Cromolyn Sodium capsules use bulk powder and bypass the commercial supply chain.
• Ketotifen, another mast cell stabilizer, is gaining broader acceptance as an alternative. It must be compounded for oral use in the U.S. but is readily available through compounding pharmacies at $50 to $150 per month.
• Patient advocacy — The Mast Cell Disease Society (TMS) continues to work with the FDA and manufacturers to improve access and has published guides on navigating the shortage.

For a full comparison of alternatives, see Alternatives to Cromolyn If You Can't Fill Your Prescription.

How to Find Cromolyn in Stock

Despite the shortage, Cromolyn is still being produced and does show up on pharmacy shelves. Here's how to improve your chances:

1. Use Medfinder — search for real-time Cromolyn availability at pharmacies near you
2. Try independent pharmacies — they often have more flexibility with wholesaler orders
3. Ask about the new NDC — if your pharmacy says it's discontinued, provide NDC 81665-0104-96
4. Call on delivery days — pharmacies receive shipments early in the week; calling Monday or Tuesday morning gives you the best odds
5. Consider compounding — ask your doctor for a compounding-friendly prescription

For more detailed tips, see How to Find Cromolyn in Stock Near You.

Final Thoughts

The Cromolyn shortage has now persisted for nearly three years, and there's no confirmed resolution date. But manufacturers are actively working to increase supply, and patients have more tools and options available than when the shortage first began.

Stay proactive: use Medfinder to track availability, talk to your doctor about backup plans, and explore compounding and patient assistance programs. If you're a healthcare provider looking for guidance, see our provider-specific update: Cromolyn Shortage: What Providers Need to Know in 2026.