Finding Cromolyn in 2026 Takes Extra Effort — But It's Possible

If you've been prescribed Cromolyn Sodium (brand name Gastrocrom) for mastocytosis, MCAS, or another mast cell disorder, you may have already discovered how hard it can be to find. The oral solution has been in an active FDA shortage since 2023, and many patients have gone weeks without their medication.

The good news: Cromolyn is still being manufactured, and pharmacies do get shipments. The challenge is knowing where and when to look. Here are three practical strategies to help you find Cromolyn in stock near you.

Tip 1: Use Medfinder to Track Real-Time Availability

Medfinder is a free tool built specifically to help patients find medications that are in shortage. Instead of calling pharmacy after pharmacy, you can search for Cromolyn on Medfinder and see which locations near you currently have it available.

Here's how it works:

1. Go to medfinder.com
2. Search for "Cromolyn Sodium" or "Gastrocrom"
3. Enter your zip code
4. View pharmacies with current availability

This can save you hours of phone calls and trips to pharmacies that don't have stock. For a more detailed walkthrough, see How to Check If a Pharmacy Has Cromolyn in Stock.

Tip 2: Check Independent and Compounding Pharmacies

When a drug is in shortage, large chain pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid) often run out first. They serve the highest volume of patients, and their automated ordering systems may not prioritize shortage drugs.

Independent pharmacies often have more flexibility with their wholesaler relationships and may be able to special-order Cromolyn directly. Some patients have had success by building a relationship with a local independent pharmacy that will hold their supply when it comes in.

Compounding pharmacies are another valuable option. These pharmacies can prepare Cromolyn Sodium in capsule form — typically 100 mg or 200 mg capsules — using bulk Cromolyn powder. This bypasses the commercial supply chain entirely. Compounded Cromolyn typically costs between $200 and $250 for a 60- to 90-day supply.

If your prescriber is open to it, ask for a prescription that specifies compounding is acceptable. This gives the pharmacy flexibility to prepare the medication even when the commercial oral solution is unavailable.

Tip 3: Call at the Right Time

Pharmacies receive drug shipments on specific days — often early in the week (Monday through Wednesday). If you call or visit on a delivery day, you're more likely to catch fresh stock before it's claimed.

Here's a simple approach:

• Ask your pharmacy what day they receive shipments from their wholesaler
• Call that morning to check if Cromolyn arrived
• If they have it, pick it up the same day — stock goes fast during shortages

Some patients also find success by asking the pharmacy to place a special order or to put them on a waiting list for the next shipment.

What If You Still Can't Find Cromolyn?

If none of the above strategies work, you have a few more options:

Ask About the Updated NDC Number

One manufacturer (Omnivium Pharmaceuticals) recently changed the NDC for its Cromolyn Sodium product. Some pharmacies may show the drug as "discontinued" when searching the old code. The new NDC is 81665-0104-96. Ask your pharmacist to search this number or contact their wholesaler with it.

Talk to Your Doctor About Alternatives

If Cromolyn truly isn't available in your area, your provider may recommend a temporary alternative such as Ketotifen (a mast cell stabilizer and antihistamine), Hydroxyzine, or an H1/H2 antihistamine combination. These aren't identical to Cromolyn, but they can help manage mast cell symptoms during a shortage. Learn more: Alternatives to Cromolyn If You Can't Fill Your Prescription.

Look Into Patient Assistance Programs

If cost is a barrier on top of availability, programs like Prescription Hope offer Gastrocrom for about $70 per month. Discount cards from GoodRx and SingleCare can also reduce the price when you do find stock. See our full savings guide: How to Save Money on Cromolyn in 2026.

Contact The Mast Cell Disease Society

The Mast Cell Disease Society (TMS) has been actively tracking the Cromolyn shortage and advocating for patients. Their website at tmsforacure.org has up-to-date information and tips for navigating drug shortages.

Final Thoughts

Finding Cromolyn in 2026 requires persistence, but it's not impossible. Use tools like Medfinder, explore independent and compounding pharmacies, and stay in close contact with your prescriber. The shortage is ongoing, but manufacturers are working to increase supply — and with the right strategy, you can stay on track with your treatment.

For background on why this shortage is happening, read Why Is Cromolyn So Hard to Find?