How to Find Relador in Stock Near You (Tools + Tips)

Your doctor prescribed Relador (lidocaine-prilocaine 2.5%/2.5% cream) to numb your skin before a procedure, and your usual pharmacy is out of stock. Now what? This guide walks you through the fastest, most effective ways to locate Relador at a pharmacy near you in 2026.

Why Relador Is Hard to Find Right Now

Relador is a branded-generic topical anesthetic made by Accelis Pharma. Its active ingredient, lidocaine, has been on the ASHP drug shortage list continuously since 2012 with ongoing disruptions in 2026. While injectable lidocaine is the most severely affected formulation, topical creams like Relador and generic lidocaine-prilocaine experience localized stockouts due to supply chain pressures at the API (active pharmaceutical ingredient) level. Not every pharmacy routinely stocks Relador Pak kits, making it even harder to fill without checking multiple locations.

Step 1: Ask About the Generic First

Before you start calling pharmacies, confirm with your prescriber whether substituting generic lidocaine-prilocaine 2.5%/2.5% cream is acceptable. In most cases, the answer is yes. The generic is therapeutically equivalent to Relador and is typically far more available at retail pharmacies. It also costs dramatically less — often $19–$34 with a discount card versus over $1,500 retail for brand Relador Pak.

If your prescription is written for brand-only Relador, ask your doctor to update it to allow generic substitution, or write a new prescription specifically for "lidocaine 2.5%/prilocaine 2.5% cream."

Step 2: Use medfinder to Check Pharmacies Near You

The most efficient way to find Relador in stock is to use medfinder. medfinder is a paid service that calls pharmacies near you to check which ones currently have your specific medication in stock — then texts you the results. Instead of spending an hour on hold across 10 different pharmacies, medfinder does the calling for you.

Here's how to use it effectively:

Visit medfinder.com and enter your medication name ("Relador" or "lidocaine-prilocaine cream")

Enter your dosage and quantity as written on your prescription

Provide your ZIP code or city and select a search radius

medfinder calls pharmacies on your behalf and texts you back a list of which ones have your medication

Step 3: Call Pharmacies Directly (What to Say)

If you prefer to call pharmacies yourself, use specific language to get accurate answers quickly. Don't just ask "do you have Relador?" — be specific:

"Do you have lidocaine 2.5%/prilocaine 2.5% topical cream in stock? I need [quantity] grams."

"Do you carry the brand Relador Pak or Relador Pak Plus from Accelis Pharma?"

"If you don't have it, can you order it? How long would that take?"

Call at a variety of pharmacy types: major chains (CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, Walmart, Costco, Kroger/Kroger Pharmacy), mail-order pharmacies, and independent community pharmacies. Independent pharmacies sometimes maintain supply of specialty items that chains don't routinely stock.

Step 4: Use Pharmacy Apps and Online Tools

Several online tools can help you locate available stock and compare prices simultaneously:

GoodRx: Shows prices at nearby pharmacies and can sometimes indicate which locations have the drug in stock. Prices for generic lidocaine-prilocaine can drop to $15–$25 at many chains.

SingleCare: Another discount card program that lists pharmacy pricing for generic lidocaine-prilocaine — often showing prices around $19.62.

Pharmacy chain websites and apps: CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart pharmacy apps allow you to check local inventory for some medications online before you visit.

Step 5: Consider a Compounding Pharmacy

If retail pharmacies are completely out of stock, a licensed compounding pharmacy may be able to prepare lidocaine-prilocaine cream from bulk ingredients. This requires:

A prescription from your doctor specifying a compounded formulation

A licensed compounding pharmacy (search via the PCAB accreditation directory)

Note that compounded drugs may cost more and are not FDA-approved products; discuss with your prescriber

When Should You Start Looking?

Don't wait until the day before your procedure. Start your pharmacy search at least 5–7 days in advance. This gives you time to check multiple locations, order from a mail-order pharmacy if needed, or explore compounding options. If your procedure is urgent, call your prescriber's office immediately — they may have a preferred pharmacy or hospital source.

For more background on the supply situation, see why Relador is hard to find in 2026. If you can't locate it at all, read about alternatives to Relador your doctor might consider.