Cromolyn Is Expensive — But There Are Ways to Save

If you've recently priced out a Cromolyn Sodium prescription, you already know the sticker shock. The oral solution (Gastrocrom or generic) can cost $300 to $400 or more per month without insurance. And with the ongoing shortage, some patients are paying even more at pharmacies that have limited stock.

The good news: there are several legitimate ways to bring that cost down significantly. This guide covers coupons, discount cards, patient assistance programs, and other strategies to help you save money on Cromolyn in 2026.

What Does Cromolyn Cost Without Insurance?

Let's start with the baseline. Here's what you can expect to pay out of pocket for the most common Cromolyn formulations:

Oral Solution (Prescription)

• Gastrocrom (brand): $400–$600+ per month at full retail price
• Generic Cromolyn Sodium oral solution: $300–$400 per month at retail
• Standard prescription: 96 ampules (100 mg/5 mL each) — this is roughly a 24-day supply at the typical dose of 200 mg four times daily

Nasal Spray (OTC)

• NasalCrom: $15–$20 per bottle at most pharmacies. No prescription needed. This is only for nasal allergy symptoms — it does not replace the oral solution for systemic mast cell conditions.

Compounded Capsules

• Compounded Cromolyn Sodium capsules (100 mg or 200 mg): $200–$250 for a 60- to 90-day supply from a compounding pharmacy

Coupons and Discount Cards

Prescription discount cards are one of the fastest ways to lower your Cromolyn cost. These are free to use and accepted at most pharmacies.

GoodRx

GoodRx shows Cromolyn Sodium oral solution starting at about $134 for a 96-ampule box. Prices vary by pharmacy — GoodRx lets you compare prices at CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, and local pharmacies near you. GoodRx Gold members may pay as little as $1.81 per ampule at select pharmacies.

SingleCare

SingleCare offers similar savings. For the nasal spray, SingleCare shows prices as low as $15.14 for a 26 mL bottle. For the oral solution, savings vary by location but are generally competitive with GoodRx.

Other Discount Programs

Additional coupon and discount card options include:

• RxSaver — compare pharmacy prices and print coupons
• Optum Perks — free coupon card accepted at 64,000+ pharmacies
• BuzzRx — digital discount card with real-time pricing
• America's Pharmacy — aggregates discount pricing from multiple sources

Important: Discount cards cannot be combined with insurance. You use one or the other at the pharmacy counter. Compare your insurance copay vs. the discount card price and use whichever is lower.

Patient Assistance Programs

If you're uninsured or underinsured and struggling to afford Cromolyn, patient assistance programs (PAPs) may help:

Prescription Hope

Prescription Hope offers Gastrocrom (Cromolyn Sodium) for $70 per month. This program works with the manufacturer and other sources to provide medications at a flat monthly rate. You must meet income eligibility requirements.

Website: prescriptionhope.com

NeedyMeds

NeedyMeds is a database of patient assistance programs, discount coupons, and state assistance resources. Search for "Cromolyn" to find current programs you may qualify for.

Website: needymeds.org

RxAssist

RxAssist provides a comprehensive directory of manufacturer and independent patient assistance programs. It's a good resource for finding programs specific to your financial situation.

Website: rxassist.org

Viatris Patient Assistance

Viatris (the manufacturer of Gastrocrom) may offer a patient assistance program for qualifying low-income patients. Contact Viatris directly or search their website for current PAP availability.

Other Ways to Save on Cromolyn

Ask for Generic

Always ask your pharmacist to fill with the generic (Cromolyn Sodium) rather than the brand (Gastrocrom). The generic is therapeutically identical and significantly cheaper — typically $134+ with a coupon vs. $400+ for brand name.

Consider Compounding

Compounding pharmacies can prepare Cromolyn Sodium capsules for $200 to $250 for a 60- to 90-day supply. This can actually be cheaper than the commercial solution, especially for patients on higher doses. Ask your prescriber for a compounding-friendly prescription.

Compare Pharmacy Prices

Prices for the same medication can vary wildly between pharmacies. A box of generic Cromolyn might cost $300 at one pharmacy and $134 at another with a coupon. Always compare before you fill:

• Use GoodRx or SingleCare to compare prices at nearby pharmacies
• Don't overlook warehouse pharmacies (Costco, Sam's Club) — they often have lower cash prices
• Independent pharmacies sometimes offer competitive pricing, especially during shortages

Mail-Order Pharmacies

If your insurance covers mail-order, you may get a better price on a 90-day supply. However, during the shortage, mail-order pharmacies have also experienced stock issues. Check availability before committing to a mail-order refill.

Appeal Insurance Denials

If your insurer denies coverage or requires prior authorization:

• Ask your doctor to submit a PA with documentation of your diagnosis and medical necessity
• Note the FDA shortage — some insurers have been more flexible during documented shortages
• If denied, file a formal appeal. Include your diagnosis, treatment history, and a letter from your prescriber.

Quick Savings Summary

• Full retail price: $300–$400+/month (oral solution)
• With GoodRx coupon: Starting at ~$134
• Prescription Hope: $70/month
• Compounded capsules: $200–$250 for 60–90 days (~$67–$125/month)
• NasalCrom (OTC): $15–$20 per bottle

Final Thoughts

Cromolyn Sodium is an essential medication for many patients with mast cell disorders, and no one should have to choose between their health and their budget. Between discount cards, patient assistance programs, compounding pharmacies, and smart shopping strategies, most patients can significantly reduce what they pay.

If you're also struggling to find Cromolyn in stock, check out How to Find Cromolyn in Stock Near You and use Medfinder to search for real-time pharmacy availability. For more on the current shortage, see our Cromolyn Shortage Update for 2026.