If You've Been Told Your Pharmacy Is Out of Crinone, You're Not Alone

You just got your prescription for Crinone — maybe your fertility doctor wrote it as part of an IVF cycle, or your OB/GYN prescribed it for a hormonal issue. You head to the pharmacy, and they tell you it's out of stock. No ETA on when it'll be back.

If you're going through fertility treatment, this kind of delay isn't just frustrating — it can feel like a crisis. Timing matters when you're on a strict medication protocol, and every day without your progesterone support can cause real anxiety.

So why is Crinone so hard to find? Let's break it down.

What Is Crinone?

Crinone is a brand-name vaginal gel that contains micronized Progesterone, a natural hormone your body produces to support pregnancy and regulate your menstrual cycle. It comes in pre-filled, single-use applicators in two strengths: Crinone 4% (45 mg) and Crinone 8% (90 mg).

The FDA has approved Crinone for two main uses:

• Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART): Crinone 8% provides progesterone supplementation during IVF and other fertility treatments to help support embryo implantation and early pregnancy.
• Secondary amenorrhea: Crinone 4% is used to treat women who have stopped getting their periods due to a hormonal imbalance.

Crinone is unique because it uses a bioadhesive gel technology that delivers Progesterone directly to the uterine lining, which means it stays in place longer than some other vaginal products. Learn more in our guide to what Crinone is and how it works.

Why Is Crinone Hard to Find?

There are several reasons you might be having trouble filling your Crinone prescription in 2026:

1. It's a Specialty Medication With a Niche Market

Crinone isn't a medication that millions of people take every day like blood pressure pills or diabetes drugs. It's primarily used by women going through fertility treatments — a relatively small but growing patient population. Because the market is smaller, not every pharmacy keeps it in stock. Many retail pharmacies like CVS or Walgreens may not carry it at all, or they may stock only a few boxes at a time.

2. Fertility Treatment Demand Is Surging

The number of IVF cycles performed in the United States has been climbing steadily for years. More people pursuing fertility treatments means more demand for medications like Crinone. When demand spikes — particularly during certain times of year when clinics see higher treatment volumes — supply at local pharmacies can run thin.

3. Distribution and Supply Chain Challenges

Crinone is manufactured by Merck Serono, and like many specialty medications, it moves through a complex supply chain before reaching your local pharmacy. Disruptions at any point — from raw material sourcing to distribution — can create temporary gaps in availability. While Crinone hasn't been on the FDA's official drug shortage list, individual pharmacies may still struggle to restock.

4. Insurance and Pharmacy Network Restrictions

Even when Crinone is physically available, your insurance plan may require you to fill the prescription at a specific specialty pharmacy. If that pharmacy is out of stock, you may feel stuck — even if the medication is available at a pharmacy down the street. Prior authorization requirements can also add delays, making it harder to get your prescription filled quickly.

What You Can Do If You Can't Find Crinone

Don't panic. There are several practical steps you can take:

Use Medfinder to Check Real-Time Availability

Medfinder lets you search for Crinone and see which pharmacies near you currently have it in stock. It's faster than calling around to pharmacies one by one, and it's free to use.

Call Independent and Specialty Pharmacies

Independent pharmacies and fertility-focused specialty pharmacies are often better stocked with medications like Crinone than big chain pharmacies. Specialty IVF pharmacies may also offer competitive pricing — some sell Crinone 8% for as little as $65 for 15 applicators. Check out our tips for finding Crinone in stock near you.

Ask Your Doctor About Alternatives

If Crinone truly isn't available, your doctor can prescribe an alternative Progesterone product. Options include Endometrin (vaginal inserts), Prometrium (oral capsules that can be used vaginally), Progesterone in Oil injections, or compounded Progesterone suppositories. Read more about alternatives to Crinone.

Contact Your Fertility Clinic

Many fertility clinics have relationships with specialty pharmacies and may be able to help you source Crinone quickly. Some clinics even keep a supply on hand for urgent situations. Don't hesitate to reach out to your clinic's nurse coordinator.

Final Thoughts

Crinone can be difficult to find because it's a specialty medication serving a specific patient population, and pharmacy stocking decisions don't always keep up with demand. But with the right tools and a proactive approach, most patients can find it — or a suitable alternative — without missing a beat in their treatment.

If you're struggling to find Crinone right now, start by searching on Medfinder to check pharmacy availability near you. And if cost is a concern, check out our guide on how to save money on Crinone.