Finding Proctofoam Shouldn't Be This Hard

You have a prescription for Proctofoam HC. Your doctor says it's the best option for your hemorrhoids or rectal irritation. But every pharmacy you call says the same thing: "We don't have it."

If this sounds familiar, don't give up. Proctofoam HC — a rectal foam containing Hydrocortisone Acetate 1% and Pramoxine Hydrochloride 1% — has been difficult to find due to manufacturing and supply chain issues. But with the right approach, many patients are still finding it. Here's how.

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

The single most effective tool for finding hard-to-find medications is Medfinder. Instead of calling dozens of pharmacies one by one, Medfinder lets you search for Proctofoam HC availability at pharmacies near you — all from your phone or computer.

Here's how it works:

1. Go to medfinder.com
2. Type in "Proctofoam" or "Hydrocortisone Pramoxine foam"
3. Enter your zip code
4. See which pharmacies near you have it in stock right now

This saves you hours of phone calls and the frustration of driving to a pharmacy only to find out they don't carry it. Medfinder updates availability regularly, so you're getting current information.

Tip 2: Check Independent and Compounding Pharmacies

When a medication is in short supply, big chain pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid) are often the first to run out. They serve the most patients and have standardized ordering systems that may not prioritize niche medications like Proctofoam.

Independent pharmacies often have more flexibility. They may work with different wholesalers, carry specialty products, and be more willing to go the extra mile to track down a hard-to-find medication for you.

Compounding pharmacies are another option. While they can't make an exact replica of Proctofoam's aerosol foam, a compounding pharmacist may be able to prepare a custom rectal preparation with Hydrocortisone and Pramoxine in a similar formulation. This requires a prescription from your doctor specifying the compounded medication.

To find independent pharmacies near you, try searching on Medfinder or looking up "independent pharmacy near me" in your area.

Tip 3: Call During Off-Peak Hours and Ask Smart Questions

If you do need to call pharmacies directly, timing matters. Pharmacies are busiest during lunch hours and right after work (11 AM–1 PM and 4–6 PM). Call early in the morning or later in the evening when pharmacists have more time to help you.

When you call, ask these specific questions:

• "Do you currently have Hydrocortisone-Pramoxine rectal foam in stock?" (Using the generic name can help if they don't recognize "Proctofoam")
• "Can you check if your wholesaler has it available to order?"
• "If not, do you carry a generic version?"
• "When did you last have it in stock?"

These questions give you the most useful information quickly and show the pharmacist you've done your homework.

Tip 4: Ask Your Pharmacy to Place a Special Order

Many patients don't realize that pharmacies can often special-order medications they don't normally stock. If a pharmacy's wholesaler (like McKesson, Cardinal Health, or AmerisourceBergen) has Proctofoam available, the pharmacy can order it for you — usually with delivery in 1-2 business days.

Ask your pharmacist: "Can you check your ordering system and place a special order for Proctofoam HC or its generic equivalent?" Be prepared to wait a few days, but this approach works more often than you might think.

Tip 5: Consider Mail-Order and Specialty Pharmacies

Mail-order pharmacies and specialty pharmacies sometimes have access to medications that local pharmacies don't. Your insurance plan likely has a preferred mail-order pharmacy — call the number on the back of your insurance card to find out.

Some specialty pharmacies focus specifically on hard-to-find medications and may be able to source Proctofoam when others can't. The tradeoff is that shipping takes a few days, so plan ahead if you're running low.

What If You Still Can't Find Proctofoam?

If you've tried everything above and Proctofoam HC is simply unavailable in your area, it's time to talk to your doctor about alternatives. Several medications contain the same or similar active ingredients:

• Pramosone Cream — contains the same Hydrocortisone-Pramoxine combination in cream form
• Anusol-HC — Hydrocortisone rectal cream
• Preparation H Hydrocortisone — available over the counter
• Epifoam — Hydrocortisone-Pramoxine aerosol foam for skin use

For a complete breakdown of your options, read our guide: Alternatives to Proctofoam If You Can't Fill Your Prescription.

You should also check whether cost is contributing to the problem. If Proctofoam is available but too expensive, there are discount options: How to Save Money on Proctofoam in 2026.

Final Thoughts

Finding Proctofoam HC in 2026 takes more effort than it should, but it's not impossible. Start with Medfinder to check real-time availability, branch out to independent pharmacies, and don't be afraid to ask your pharmacist for help with special orders.

If all else fails, your doctor can work with you to find an alternative that provides similar relief. The most important thing is that you don't go without treatment — hemorrhoids and rectal conditions can worsen without proper care.

You have more options than you think. Start your search today.