How to Check Locoid Availability Without Calling Every Pharmacy

You've got your prescription for Locoid (Hydrocortisone Butyrate 0.1%) — now you need to actually find it. If you've ever spent an afternoon calling pharmacy after pharmacy only to hear "we don't have that in stock," you know how frustrating the process can be. The good news: there are faster ways to check availability in 2026 without picking up the phone.

Why Locoid Can Be Hard to Find

While Locoid is not currently listed on the FDA drug shortage database, the brand-name formulation — especially Locoid Lipocream — has experienced periodic supply disruptions in recent years. This is partly due to manufacturer supply decisions by Bausch Health and limited generic competition for the lipocream specifically. The generic version (Hydrocortisone Butyrate cream and ointment) tends to be more consistently available. For more background, see our article on why Locoid can be hard to find.

How to Check Stock Without Calling

1. Use Medfinder

Medfinder is built specifically for this problem. Enter your medication name and zip code, and Medfinder shows you which pharmacies near you have Locoid in stock — in real time. No calling, no guessing, no driving around. It checks both brand-name Locoid and generic Hydrocortisone Butyrate across multiple pharmacy chains.

This is especially useful if your usual pharmacy is out of stock and you need to find an alternative quickly. You can also check whether a specific formulation (cream vs. ointment vs. lipocream) is available.

2. Check Your Pharmacy's App or Website

Most major pharmacy chains have apps or websites that let you check prescription status and sometimes stock availability:

• CVS — The CVS app shows prescription status and allows you to transfer prescriptions between locations if one store is out of stock.
• Walgreens — Walgreens' app and website let you manage prescriptions and check if they're ready. You can transfer to a nearby location if needed.
• Walmart — Walmart's pharmacy portal allows prescription management and location searching.
• Rite Aid — Similar functionality for checking prescription status online.

Keep in mind: these apps are great for checking your prescription status, but they don't always show general stock levels. If you haven't sent your prescription to a specific pharmacy yet, Medfinder is the better tool for comparing availability across locations.

3. Use GoodRx for Price + Availability Clues

GoodRx primarily shows pricing, but it can also give you indirect clues about availability. If a pharmacy is showing current pricing for Locoid on GoodRx, it's a good sign they stock it. Pharmacies that don't carry a medication typically won't appear in pricing results.

4. Send Your Prescription Electronically

If your doctor sends your prescription electronically (e-prescribe), the pharmacy will usually contact you if it's out of stock. This saves you from showing up only to be told they don't have it. Many doctors can send the prescription to multiple pharmacies or change the destination quickly if the first one doesn't have it.

5. Try Mail-Order or Specialty Pharmacies

If local pharmacies consistently don't have Locoid, consider mail-order options. Many insurance plans offer mail-order pharmacy benefits that can deliver medications to your door. This is especially useful for maintenance medications. Options include:

• Your insurance plan's preferred mail-order pharmacy
• Amazon Pharmacy
• Cost Plus Drugs (for generic medications)

If You Prefer to Call

Sometimes a quick phone call is the simplest approach. Here's how to make it efficient:

• Call the pharmacy, not the main store number. Ask for the pharmacy department directly.
• Be specific. Ask for "Hydrocortisone Butyrate 0.1% cream" (or whichever formulation you need). Pharmacists may have the generic even if they don't carry the Locoid brand.
• Ask about timing. If they're out, ask when they expect their next shipment. Many pharmacies receive deliveries on specific days.
• Ask about alternatives. The pharmacist may know which nearby locations have it in stock, or they may be able to order it for you within 1-2 business days.

Once You Find It

When you locate a pharmacy with Locoid in stock:

• Act quickly. Stock levels can change, especially for medications with supply disruptions. If a pharmacy has it today, fill it today.
• Consider getting the generic. Generic Hydrocortisone Butyrate is more widely available and costs $30 to $80 compared to $150 to $400 for brand-name Locoid. Unless your doctor specified "dispense as written," the pharmacist can usually substitute the generic. Learn more in our guide to saving money on Locoid.
• Ask about quantity. If you know you'll need refills, ask the pharmacist whether they can order extra to have on hand for your next fill.
• Set up auto-refill. If you use Locoid regularly, set up automatic refills so the pharmacy orders it before you run out.

Final Thoughts

Checking pharmacy stock for Locoid doesn't have to mean an afternoon on the phone. Tools like Medfinder let you search availability across pharmacies near you in seconds. If the brand name is hard to find, the generic Hydrocortisone Butyrate is a reliable and more affordable backup. And if all else fails, mail-order pharmacies can often fill prescriptions that local stores can't.

For more tips on finding this medication, see our full guide: How to Find Locoid in Stock Near You.