Stop Calling Around — Here's How to Check Stock Online

You've got a prescription for Bacitracin/Polymyxin B ophthalmic ointment, and now your pharmacy tells you they don't have it. Sound familiar? With the ongoing bacitracin ophthalmic shortage, this has become a frustrating reality for many patients.

The last thing you want to do when you have a painful eye infection is spend an hour on the phone calling pharmacy after pharmacy. Here's how to check stock without picking up the phone.

Why Bacitracin/Polymyxin B Can Be Hard to Find

Padagis (formerly Perrigo), one of the main manufacturers of bacitracin ophthalmic products, temporarily discontinued production of bacitracin ophthalmic ointment in July 2024. Resupply isn't expected until October 2026. This has created a ripple effect on combination products like Bacitracin/Polymyxin B ophthalmic ointment, making them harder to find at retail pharmacies.

The OTC topical form (Polysporin for skin) is generally not affected — it's the prescription ophthalmic version that's in short supply.

How to Check Pharmacy Stock Without Calling

1. Use Medfinder (Fastest Option)

Medfinder is designed specifically for finding medications that are hard to get. Enter your medication name and zip code, and it shows you which pharmacies near you currently have Bacitracin/Polymyxin B ophthalmic ointment in stock. It's free to use and updates stock information regularly.

This is especially useful during shortages when pharmacy stock can change daily. Instead of guessing, you get a list of confirmed options.

2. Check Pharmacy Apps and Websites

Several major pharmacy chains let you check medication availability through their apps or websites:

• CVS — Log into the CVS app or cvs.com, search for your medication, and check prices at nearby locations. While it doesn't always show real-time stock, you can transfer prescriptions between locations online.
• Walgreens — The Walgreens app lets you manage prescriptions and contact specific pharmacy locations to check availability.
• Walmart — Walmart's pharmacy app shows pricing and allows prescription transfers between locations.
• Costco — If you have a Costco membership, their pharmacy often has competitive stock and pricing for generics.

Keep in mind that these apps may not show real-time inventory for every medication. During a shortage, stock can change quickly.

3. Use GoodRx to Compare Prices and Availability

While GoodRx is primarily a price-comparison tool, it also shows you which pharmacies in your area carry a medication and what they charge. Search for "Bacitracin Polymyxin B ophthalmic" on GoodRx, enter your zip code, and you'll see a list of pharmacies with pricing. If a pharmacy lists a price, it's a good indication they carry the product (though they may not have it in stock at that moment).

4. Try Independent Pharmacies

Don't overlook independent pharmacies. They often have different suppliers than the big chains and may have stock when CVS and Walgreens don't. Many independent pharmacies also offer more personalized service and can work harder to source hard-to-find medications for you.

To find independent pharmacies near you, search "independent pharmacy near me" on Google Maps, or check the NCPA (National Community Pharmacists Association) directory.

5. Ask About Compounding Pharmacies

If no retail pharmacy near you has Bacitracin/Polymyxin B, a compounding pharmacy may be able to prepare it for you. Compounding pharmacies make custom medications using individual ingredients. The cost may be higher, but it's an option when commercial products are unavailable.

Your doctor may need to write a specific compounding prescription. Ask them about this option if you've struck out everywhere else.

If You Prefer to Call

Sometimes a quick phone call is the most direct route. Here are tips to make it efficient:

• Call the pharmacy's dedicated prescription line — not the general store number. You'll get to someone who can actually check inventory.
• Have your details ready — Ask for "Bacitracin Zinc and Polymyxin B Sulfate ophthalmic ointment, 3.5 gram tube." Being specific helps the pharmacy tech find it quickly.
• Ask if they can order it — Even if it's not in stock, the pharmacy may be able to get it from their distributor within 1-2 days.
• Ask about alternatives — If they don't have it and can't get it, ask if they have Erythromycin ophthalmic ointment or Tobramycin (Tobrex) as a backup, then call your doctor.

Once You Find It in Stock

When you've located a pharmacy with Bacitracin/Polymyxin B in stock:

• Ask them to hold it — If you found it through Medfinder or a phone call, ask the pharmacy to set it aside for you. Stock can move fast during shortages.
• Transfer your prescription if needed — If your prescription was sent to a different pharmacy, most pharmacies can do a transfer with just a phone call. You can also ask your doctor to send a new prescription to the pharmacy that has it.
• Check the price before you go — Without insurance, expect to pay $50-$70 at retail. With a discount coupon, you can get it for as low as $13-$25.
• Pick it up promptly — Pharmacies typically hold prescriptions for a limited time (usually 7-14 days) before returning them to stock.

Final Thoughts

Finding Bacitracin/Polymyxin B ophthalmic ointment in 2026 takes a little more effort than usual thanks to the ongoing manufacturing disruption. But you don't have to call a dozen pharmacies — tools like Medfinder make it possible to check stock from your phone in seconds.

If the ophthalmic ointment is truly unavailable in your area, talk to your doctor about alternative antibiotics that can treat your eye infection effectively. The most important thing is getting treatment started — don't let a stock issue delay your care.