How to Check If a Pharmacy Has RIMSO-50 in Stock (Without Calling)

Checking whether a pharmacy has RIMSO-50 (dimethyl sulfoxide) in stock is not as simple as checking GoodRx or calling your local CVS. Because RIMSO-50 is a specialty intravesical drug, it is stocked through a different supply chain — and most standard pharmacy inventory lookup tools simply won't show it.

Here are the most effective methods to check RIMSO-50 availability — and how to avoid spending hours on hold.

Why Standard Pharmacy Lookup Tools Don't Work for RIMSO-50

Websites like GoodRx, RxPriceQuotes, and pharmacy chain websites primarily show pricing and availability for retail pharmacy medications — drugs that flow through the standard retail supply chain. RIMSO-50 is not a retail pharmacy drug. It is an intravesical solution stocked by specialty pharmacies, hospital outpatient pharmacies, and urology practices. This fundamental difference means that standard lookup tools are largely useless for checking RIMSO-50 stock.

Method 1: Use medfinder — The Tool Built for This Problem

The most efficient way to check pharmacy stock for a specialty medication like RIMSO-50 is to use medfinder. medfinder works by calling pharmacies on your behalf — you enter your medication, dosage, and zip code, and medfinder contacts pharmacies near you to ask if they have it in stock. The results are texted to you. This saves the time, frustration, and phone-tree navigation of calling each pharmacy yourself.

medfinder covers all medications — not just specialty drugs — and is especially useful for medications that are not stocked at standard retail pharmacies.

Method 2: Call Your Urology Clinic's Supply Coordinator

Since RIMSO-50 is administered in-office, your urology clinic is the primary entity that checks and manages stock. Most urology practices have a nurse coordinator, medical assistant, or office manager who tracks medication inventory. A direct call to your clinic's front desk — asking specifically to speak with whoever manages medication supply — is often the fastest way to get a definitive answer about RIMSO-50 availability.

Method 3: Contact Specialty Pharmacies Directly

If your clinic is out of stock, specialty pharmacies are the next place to check. When calling, use the generic name — "dimethyl sulfoxide 50% intravesical solution" — rather than the brand name RIMSO-50, as this may improve recognition by pharmacy staff. Specialty pharmacies to try:

CVS Specialty (1-800-237-2767)

Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy (1-800-272-5525)

Optum Specialty Pharmacy

Shields Health Solutions

Method 4: Check the FDA Drug Shortage Database

While this won't tell you whether a specific pharmacy has stock, the FDA Drug Shortages database will tell you if RIMSO-50 or dimethyl sulfoxide is experiencing a nationwide manufacturing shortage. If an active shortage is listed, it provides context for why local supply is tight and may include information on expected resolution timelines.

Method 5: Ask About the Generic

When checking stock, always ask about both brand-name RIMSO-50 and generic dimethyl sulfoxide (Sandoz). Because they may flow through different distributor channels, one may be available when the other is not. The Sandoz generic is bioequivalent and can be used in the same clinical procedure.

Tips for Efficient Stock Checking

Check 1–2 weeks in advance of your scheduled treatment — not the day before.

Ask for both brand and generic to maximize your chances of finding stock.

Use medfinder to search multiple pharmacies simultaneously rather than calling each one separately.

Contact hospital pharmacies affiliated with academic medical centers — they often have broader specialty drug access.

Document your search — if you are consistently unable to access RIMSO-50, share this information with your provider and ask them to advocate with their distributors.

For a complete guide on finding RIMSO-50, see: How to Find RIMSO-50 in Stock Near You (Tools + Tips).