Stop Calling Every Pharmacy in Town

If you've been prescribed Cromolyn Sodium and sent to the pharmacy only to hear "we don't have it in stock" — you're not alone. Cromolyn has been in an intermittent shortage since 2023, affecting patients across all 50 states.

The old-school approach of calling pharmacy after pharmacy is exhausting, especially when you're already dealing with symptoms of mastocytosis or MCAS. The good news? There are faster ways to check availability without picking up the phone.

Why Is Cromolyn So Hard to Find?

Before we get into solutions, a quick note on why this is happening. Cromolyn Sodium oral solution has faced supply disruptions due to difficulty obtaining the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), manufacturers discontinuing production, and NDC number changes causing ordering confusion at pharmacies. For the full story, read our detailed breakdown of why Cromolyn is so hard to find.

How to Check Stock Without Calling

1. Use Medfinder

Medfinder is built specifically for this problem. It tracks real-time pharmacy inventory for medications that are hard to find — including Cromolyn Sodium oral solution.

Here's how it works:

1. Go to medfinder.com
2. Search for Cromolyn
3. Enter your zip code
4. See which pharmacies near you currently have it in stock

Unlike general pharmacy tools, Medfinder focuses on medications experiencing shortages and availability issues. It's the fastest way to avoid wasted trips and phone calls.

2. Check Pharmacy Apps and Websites

Major pharmacy chains have apps and websites that sometimes show medication availability:

• CVS app: You can check if a prescription is ready or transferable. Some locations show stock status when you attempt to transfer a prescription.
• Walgreens app: Similar functionality — try transferring your Rx to see if it's available at a specific location.
• Walmart pharmacy: Their app allows you to check pricing and sometimes availability at nearby stores.

Keep in mind that these apps aren't always accurate for shortage medications. Inventory can change daily, and the apps may show a medication as "available" when it's actually allocated for existing patients.

3. Use GoodRx for Price and Availability Clues

While GoodRx is primarily a coupon and pricing tool, it can give you indirect availability signals. If a pharmacy shows a price for Cromolyn on GoodRx, it's more likely (though not guaranteed) to have it in stock. If no price is listed for a location, that pharmacy probably doesn't carry it.

GoodRx also shows you which pharmacies in your area fill Cromolyn prescriptions, which can narrow your search significantly.

4. Try Independent and Specialty Pharmacies

Don't limit your search to the big chains. Independent pharmacies and specialty pharmacies sometimes have better access to medications in shortage. They may order directly from different distributors or be willing to special-order Cromolyn for you.

You can find independent pharmacies through the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) pharmacy locator or simply search "independent pharmacy near me" online.

5. Consider Compounding Pharmacies

If commercial Cromolyn Sodium oral solution is unavailable, a compounding pharmacy can prepare Cromolyn in oral capsule form (typically 100 mg or 200 mg capsules). Your doctor will need to write a prescription specifically for the compounded version. Costs typically run $200–$250 for a 60–90 day supply.

If You Prefer to Call

Sometimes a phone call is still the most reliable method, especially for confirming current stock. If you do call, here are some tips to make it more efficient:

• Call the pharmacy, not the store. Ask to speak directly with the pharmacist or pharmacy technician.
• Be specific. Ask for "Cromolyn Sodium oral solution, 100 mg per 5 mL ampules" — not just "Cromolyn." This avoids confusion with the nasal spray (NasalCrom) or ophthalmic form.
• Ask about ordering. If they don't have it, ask: "Can you order it from your distributor?" and "How long would that take?"
• Call early in the day. Pharmacists are typically less busy in the morning and more likely to have time to check inventory thoroughly.

Once You Find It

When you locate a pharmacy with Cromolyn in stock, act quickly:

• Transfer your prescription right away. Stock can move fast for shortage medications.
• Ask about quantity limits. Some pharmacies limit fills to 30-day supplies during shortages.
• Set up automatic refills. This signals to the pharmacy that they need to keep ordering it.
• Ask the pharmacist to keep your prescription on file even if they run out temporarily — they can fill it when new stock arrives.
• Look into savings. Cromolyn can cost $130–$400+ per month without insurance. Check our guide on coupons, discounts, and patient assistance programs to save money.

Final Thoughts

Searching for Cromolyn shouldn't be a full-time job. Tools like Medfinder exist specifically to take the guesswork out of finding medications in shortage. Check availability online first, then confirm with a quick call if needed.

If you're still having trouble, talk to your doctor about alternative medications or compounding options that can bridge the gap until supply stabilizes.