Why Is Anusol HC So Hard to Find? [Explained for 2026]

If you've gone to two or three pharmacies trying to fill a prescription for Anusol HC and walked away empty-handed, you're not imagining things. While Anusol HC isn't facing a nationwide shortage the way some other medications are, finding a specific formulation — especially brand-name suppositories — can be genuinely difficult at times. This guide explains exactly why, and what you can do about it.

What Is Anusol HC?

Anusol HC is a brand-name prescription medication containing hydrocortisone acetate, a topical corticosteroid. It comes in two main forms: a 25 mg rectal suppository and a 2.5% rectal cream. A lower-strength 1% cream is available over the counter under various brand names.

Doctors prescribe Anusol HC to treat inflamed hemorrhoids, anal itching (pruritus ani), proctitis, factitial (post-irradiation) proctitis, cryptitis, and as an adjunct therapy for ulcerative colitis of the rectum. It works by reducing inflammation directly in the rectal and perianal area. It is manufactured and distributed by Salix Pharmaceuticals, a division of Bausch Health US, LLC.

Is There an Official Anusol HC Shortage in 2026?

As of 2026, there is no active FDA-declared shortage for Anusol HC or its generic equivalent, hydrocortisone acetate rectal. This is good news compared to some other medications in the rectal anti-inflammatory category, like Proctofoam HC, which faces significant supply challenges.

However, "no official shortage" doesn't mean every pharmacy has it on the shelf. Brand-name Anusol HC suppositories (25 mg, manufactured by Salix) may be harder to locate than the generic hydrocortisone acetate suppositories. Stock levels vary significantly by region, pharmacy chain, and even individual store.

Why Can Anusol HC Still Be Difficult to Find?

Even when a drug isn't in official shortage, patients can still run into stock issues. Here are the main reasons Anusol HC can be hard to fill:

• Low stocking priority. Rectal hydrocortisone products are specialty items. Many pharmacy chains don't stock large quantities because they move slowly compared to higher-volume medications.
• Brand vs. generic confusion. Your prescription may be written for brand-name Anusol HC, but your pharmacy may only stock generic hydrocortisone acetate suppositories (Anucort-HC, Proctocort, etc.). While pharmacists can often substitute, this can cause delays if the prescriber wrote "dispense as written."
• Wholesaler inventory gaps. Even if there's no national shortage, a pharmacy's wholesaler might be temporarily out of stock. This affects chains like CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid, which rely on centralized purchasing.
• Limited generic manufacturers. Generic hydrocortisone acetate suppositories are produced by a relatively small number of manufacturers. If one manufacturer has a production slowdown, it can create regional gaps.
• Insurance prior authorization delays. Some insurance plans require prior authorization for brand-name Anusol HC, causing delays at the pharmacy level even when supply is available.

Which Formulations Are Easiest (and Hardest) to Find?

Not all Anusol HC formulations are equally available:

• Easiest to find: Generic hydrocortisone acetate 2.5% cream and 1% OTC cream. These are produced by multiple manufacturers and widely stocked.
• Moderately available: Generic hydrocortisone acetate 25 mg suppositories (Anucort-HC, Proctocort, etc.). Available at most chains but may require calling ahead.
• Hardest to find: Brand-name Anusol HC 25 mg suppositories (Salix). These may need to be specially ordered by your pharmacy.

What Can You Do If Your Pharmacy Is Out of Stock?

Here's a practical action plan if you're having trouble filling your prescription:

1. Use medfinder. medfinder calls pharmacies near you to find which ones actually have your medication in stock — saving you hours of phone tag.
2. Ask about generic substitution. If your prescription is written for brand-name Anusol HC, ask your pharmacist if a generic equivalent (like Anucort-HC or Proctocort) can be substituted. It's the same active ingredient.
3. Try independent pharmacies. Independent and compounding pharmacies often have different wholesalers and may have stock when chains don't.
4. Ask your doctor about alternatives. Other medications like Proctosol-HC, Proctozone HC, or even OTC 1% hydrocortisone cream may be appropriate for your condition. See our full guide on Anusol HC alternatives.
5. Request a pharmacy order. If your pharmacy doesn't have it, ask them to place a special order. Most pharmacies can receive ordered stock within 1-3 business days.

Is Anusol HC Likely to Go on Official Shortage?

Based on current supply chain data, Anusol HC is not at high risk of a formal shortage declaration. Multiple generic manufacturers produce hydrocortisone acetate rectal formulations. The cream in particular (generic 2.5%) is produced by manufacturers like Crown, Sebela, and Taro, providing a buffer if one supplier has issues. The bigger risk is localized stocking gaps rather than a system-wide shortage.

That said, if you rely on this medication regularly, it's worth building in some lead time for refills rather than waiting until your supply runs out.

How medfinder Can Help You Find Anusol HC

Instead of calling pharmacy after pharmacy yourself, medfinder does the calling for you. You provide your medication, dosage, and zip code, and medfinder contacts nearby pharmacies to find which ones have it in stock. Results are sent directly to your phone. It's the fastest way to locate Anusol HC without wasting time on hold.

For more step-by-step strategies on locating this medication, see our guide: How to Find Anusol HC In Stock Near You (Tools + Tips). If availability is your top concern, you may also want to read about Anusol HC alternatives in case you need a backup option.