Cromolyn Sodium is in an active FDA shortage. Learn why Cromolyn is so hard to find in 2026, what's causing the shortage, and what you can do right now.
You call your pharmacy. They don't have it. You try another. Same story. You've been without your Cromolyn Sodium for days — maybe weeks — and you're starting to feel the difference. If this sounds familiar, you're not alone.
Cromolyn Sodium (sold under the brand name Gastrocrom for the oral form) has been in and out of shortage since mid-2023. For patients who depend on this medication — especially those with mastocytosis or mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) — the shortage has been disruptive and, in some cases, dangerous.
In this post, we'll explain what Cromolyn is, why it's so hard to find right now, and what steps you can take to get your prescription filled.
Cromolyn Sodium is a mast cell stabilizer. It works by preventing mast cells from releasing inflammatory chemicals like histamine and leukotrienes. Unlike antihistamines, which block histamine after it's already been released, Cromolyn stops the process before it starts.
Cromolyn is FDA-approved for:
It is also widely used off-label for mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), food allergies, and certain gastrointestinal conditions. For more details on what Cromolyn treats and how to take it, see our full guide: What Is Cromolyn? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know.
The Cromolyn shortage isn't caused by a single issue. It's the result of several overlapping problems that have made the oral solution difficult to stock consistently.
According to the ASHP Drug Shortage Database, at least one manufacturer — Micro Labs — has reported issues with obtaining the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) needed to produce Cromolyn Sodium. When the raw material is hard to source, production slows or stops entirely.
Woodward Pharma Services discontinued its Cromolyn Sodium oral solution, removing one supplier from the market. When one manufacturer drops out, the remaining companies must absorb that demand — often without the capacity to do so quickly.
Over the past few years, awareness and diagnosis of mast cell disorders — particularly MCAS — have increased significantly. More patients are being prescribed Cromolyn, but the supply chain hasn't kept pace. The Mast Cell Disease Society reported that manufacturers are doing all they can but face infrastructure challenges meeting current demand.
In at least one case, a manufacturer (Omnivium Pharmaceuticals) changed the NDC (National Drug Code) number for its Cromolyn product. When pharmacies searched for the old NDC, the system showed the drug as "discontinued" — even though it was still being produced under a new code. This confusion has left some pharmacies unaware that stock is actually available.
The new NDC for Omnivium's Cromolyn Sodium Oral Solution 100 mg/5 mL is 81665-0104-96. If your pharmacy says the drug is discontinued, ask them to search this NDC or contact their wholesaler directly.
Being caught in a drug shortage is stressful, but there are practical steps you can take:
Medfinder tracks real-time pharmacy availability for medications in shortage. You can search for Cromolyn and see which pharmacies near you currently have it in stock. For a step-by-step walkthrough, see How to Find Cromolyn in Stock Near You.
Large chain pharmacies often run out first because they serve more patients. Independent pharmacies and compounding pharmacies may have stock or be able to prepare compounded Cromolyn Sodium capsules. Compounded versions typically cost $200–$250 for a 60- to 90-day supply.
If your pharmacy says Cromolyn has been discontinued, this may be an ordering error. Share the updated NDC number (81665-0104-96 from Omnivium) and ask them to contact their wholesaler.
If you truly cannot access Cromolyn, your doctor may recommend an alternative such as Ketotifen (a mast cell stabilizer and antihistamine) or an H1/H2 antihistamine combination. Read more in our post: Alternatives to Cromolyn If You Can't Fill Your Prescription.
If you've been taking Cromolyn consistently, stopping abruptly could cause a flare-up of symptoms. Contact your prescriber before making any changes.
The Cromolyn shortage is real, and for patients who depend on this medication, the impact is significant. The good news is that manufacturers are working to increase supply, and tools like Medfinder can help you locate pharmacies that currently have Cromolyn in stock.
Stay informed, keep in touch with your prescriber, and explore all your options. For the latest on this shortage, check out our Cromolyn Shortage Update for 2026.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
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