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

If Your Pharmacy Can't Find Dulera, You're Not Alone

You went to pick up your Dulera inhaler — and the pharmacist told you it's out of stock. No timeline for when it's coming back. Just a shrug and a suggestion to call around.

If this sounds familiar, you're not alone. Dulera (Mometasone Furoate/Formoterol Fumarate) has been increasingly difficult to find at pharmacies across the United States. Patients who depend on this inhaler for daily asthma control are facing real frustration — and real health risks — when they can't get their medication filled.

In this post, we'll explain exactly what Dulera is, why it's been so hard to find, and what steps you can take right now to get your prescription filled.

What Is Dulera?

Dulera is a prescription metered-dose inhaler (MDI) used to treat asthma in patients 5 years of age and older. It combines two active ingredients:

• Mometasone Furoate — an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) that reduces inflammation in your airways
• Formoterol Fumarate — a long-acting beta2-agonist (LABA) that relaxes the muscles around your airways to help you breathe easier

Together, these two medications work to both prevent and control asthma symptoms. Dulera is not a rescue inhaler — it's a maintenance medication you use twice a day, every day, to keep your asthma under control.

Dulera comes in three strengths: 50 mcg/5 mcg (for children ages 5-11), 100 mcg/5 mcg, and 200 mcg/5 mcg. It's manufactured by Organon, which took over the product from Merck. For a deeper look at how this drug works, check out our post on how Dulera works.

Why Is Dulera So Hard to Find?

There are several reasons why Dulera has become difficult to locate at pharmacies in 2026. Let's break them down.

1. An Active Supply Shortage

As of late 2025, Organon reported a shortage of Dulera — specifically the 100 mcg/5 mcg strength in both the 8.8 g (60-dose) and 13 g (120-dose) canister sizes. This shortage was confirmed by the FDA and the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP).

Manufacturing disruptions, supply chain constraints, and increased demand have all contributed to the problem. When a single manufacturer is responsible for the entire supply of a brand-name drug with no generic alternative, even small production issues can ripple across the entire country.

2. No Generic Version Available

Unlike some competing inhalers, Dulera does not have an FDA-approved generic equivalent as of 2026. This means there's no backup supply that pharmacies can turn to when the brand-name product runs out. Inhalers are complex drug-device combinations, and getting FDA approval for a generic version takes years.

By contrast, alternatives like Symbicort (Budesonide/Formoterol) and Advair (Fluticasone/Salmeterol) now have generic versions available, which helps keep their supply more stable.

3. Insurance and Formulary Issues

Many insurance plans have moved Dulera to higher formulary tiers or require prior authorization and step therapy. This means patients may need to try (and fail on) a preferred inhaler like generic Symbicort before their insurance will cover Dulera. These restrictions reduce the number of prescriptions written for Dulera, which in turn can affect how much inventory pharmacies keep on hand.

When pharmacies stock less of a medication, it becomes harder for the patients who do need it to find it quickly.

4. High Cost Limits Stocking

Dulera's retail price — roughly $400 to $500 per inhaler without insurance — makes it expensive for pharmacies to keep large quantities in stock. Independent and smaller chain pharmacies may only order Dulera when a patient specifically requests it, leading to delays. Learn more about how to save money on Dulera.

What You Can Do If You Can't Find Dulera

The good news is that there are practical steps you can take to track down your medication — or find a suitable alternative while supply catches up.

Use Medfinder to Check Pharmacy Stock

Medfinder lets you search for Dulera availability at pharmacies near you in real time. Instead of calling pharmacy after pharmacy, you can check stock online and find out which locations currently have Dulera on their shelves. It's free and takes just a few seconds.

Call Independent Pharmacies

Independent pharmacies often have access to different wholesalers than the big chains. They may be able to special-order Dulera even when larger pharmacies can't. Don't overlook smaller, local pharmacies in your area — they can be a lifesaver during shortages.

Ask Your Doctor About Alternatives

If Dulera is truly unavailable, your doctor may be able to switch you to a similar ICS/LABA combination inhaler. Options include Symbicort, Advair, Breo Ellipta, or AirDuo RespiClick. Each has its own dosing schedule and formulation, so your doctor will help you find the best fit. Read our full guide to Dulera alternatives.

Don't Skip Doses

It can be tempting to stretch your remaining supply by using less than prescribed, but this can lead to worsening asthma symptoms and even a serious flare-up. Talk to your doctor right away if you're running low — they may be able to provide samples or bridge prescriptions while you locate more Dulera.

Stay on Top of Dulera Availability

Drug shortages are frustrating, especially when they affect a medication you use every day. The key is to plan ahead, use tools like Medfinder to check stock, and keep an open line of communication with your prescriber.

For a full breakdown of the current shortage situation, read our Dulera shortage update for 2026. And if you're looking for more tips on tracking down your inhaler, check out our guide on how to find Dulera in stock near you.

You shouldn't have to fight to breathe. With the right tools and information, finding your medication doesn't have to be so hard.