Tired of Hearing "We Don't Have It"?

If you've been prescribed Muro 128 for corneal edema, you know the drill: you call the pharmacy, they check the shelf, and the answer is no. You call another. Same story. It's exhausting — and when your eyes are swollen and your vision is blurry, the last thing you need is a scavenger hunt for your medication.

The good news? There are smarter ways to find Muro 128 than calling every pharmacy in town. In this guide, we'll share three practical strategies that can save you time and frustration.

Why Is Muro 128 Hard to Find?

Before we get into solutions, it helps to understand the problem. Muro 128 (Sodium Chloride 5% or 2% ophthalmic solution/ointment by Bausch + Lomb) has faced intermittent shortages since 2020. The ointment form has been hit hardest. With few manufacturers making this product, any disruption ripples through the supply chain quickly.

But "shortage" doesn't mean "gone." Muro 128 is still being made and distributed — it's just not always at your nearest pharmacy. That's where these tips come in.

Tip 1: Use Medfinder to Search Pharmacy Stock in Real Time

This is the single most effective thing you can do. Medfinder is a free tool that lets you search for Muro 128 availability at pharmacies near you. Instead of making a dozen phone calls, you can check multiple pharmacies at once from your phone or computer.

Here's how it works:

1. Go to medfinder.com
2. Type in "Muro 128" or "Sodium Chloride 5% ophthalmic"
3. Enter your zip code
4. See which pharmacies near you currently have it in stock

The results update regularly, so you're getting a current picture of what's available — not information from days or weeks ago. This alone can save you hours of frustration.

Tip 2: Check Independent and Compounding Pharmacies

When chain pharmacies are out, independent pharmacies are often your best bet. Here's why:

• More flexible ordering: Independent pharmacies can often order from multiple wholesalers, giving them access to stock that chain pharmacies might not see.
• Niche product focus: Some independents specialize in hard-to-find medications and are more likely to carry specialty ophthalmic products.
• Compounding option: If no commercial Muro 128 is available, a compounding pharmacy can potentially prepare hypertonic sodium chloride drops or ointment for you. Ask your doctor if a compounded version is appropriate for your needs.

To find independent pharmacies near you, you can search on Medfinder or simply search online for "independent pharmacy near me." Don't overlook smaller pharmacies in neighboring towns — they may have stock that your local chain doesn't.

Tip 3: Time Your Refills Strategically

Timing can make a difference when a medication has spotty availability:

• Refill early: Don't wait until you're completely out. Start looking for your refill when you have about a week's supply remaining. This gives you a buffer if you need to check multiple pharmacies.
• Try off-peak hours: Pharmacies receive new shipments throughout the week. Calling or checking stock early in the morning (especially Tuesday through Thursday) can improve your odds of catching a fresh shipment.
• Ask your pharmacist to hold it: If your pharmacy gets Muro 128 in periodically, ask them to set a unit aside for you when it arrives. Many pharmacists are happy to do this for patients with ongoing needs.

What If You Still Can't Find Muro 128?

If you've tried everything above and still can't locate Muro 128, here are your next steps:

Talk to Your Doctor About Alternatives

There are other hypertonic saline ophthalmic products that may work for you. Generic Sodium Chloride 5% drops and ointments are available from other manufacturers, and your doctor can help you find an appropriate substitute.

Ask About Mail-Order Pharmacy

Some mail-order and online pharmacies may have better access to Muro 128 than your local brick-and-mortar store. Check with your insurance plan to see if mail-order is covered — it can sometimes save money too.

Contact Bausch + Lomb Directly

In some cases, the manufacturer can help you locate pharmacies that have received recent shipments. Bausch + Lomb's customer service line may be able to point you in the right direction.

Consider Cost-Saving Options

If you find Muro 128 but the price is a barrier, check out our guide on saving money on Muro 128 with coupons, discount cards, and patient assistance programs. Generic versions typically cost between $10 and $25, which may be more affordable than the brand-name product.

Final Thoughts

Finding Muro 128 in 2026 takes a bit more effort than it should, but it's absolutely doable. Start with Medfinder to check real-time stock, branch out to independent pharmacies, and plan your refills ahead of time. If you're still struggling, your eye doctor can help you explore alternatives or find creative solutions.

For more background on why this medication has been hard to find, read our Muro 128 shortage update for 2026. And to learn more about the medication itself, check out What Is Muro 128?