Learn why Locoid (Hydrocortisone Butyrate) is hard to find in 2026, what's causing supply issues, and practical steps to get your prescription filled.
You've got a prescription for Locoid in hand, but pharmacy after pharmacy tells you the same thing: it's out of stock. You're not imagining things — many patients across the country have struggled to find Locoid, especially the brand-name Lipocream formulation, in recent months.
The good news? There are real reasons behind the shortage, and there are concrete steps you can take to get your medication. Let's break it down.
Locoid is the brand name for Hydrocortisone Butyrate 0.1%, a mid-potency topical corticosteroid. It's prescribed to treat inflammatory skin conditions like eczema, atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, and seborrheic dermatitis.
Locoid comes in several forms — cream, ointment, lipocream, and topical solution — giving doctors flexibility in how they treat different skin conditions. It works by reducing inflammation, redness, itching, and swelling in the skin.
Compared to over-the-counter hydrocortisone (which is typically 0.5% or 1% hydrocortisone), Locoid is a prescription-strength product that uses a different ester (butyrate) for better skin penetration and more effective anti-inflammatory action.
There are several factors working together to make Locoid difficult to locate at your local pharmacy:
Locoid is manufactured by Bausch Health (formerly Valeant Pharmaceuticals). The brand-name product, particularly Locoid Lipocream, has experienced intermittent supply disruptions. Manufacturer production schedules, raw material availability, and distribution decisions all affect how much product reaches pharmacy shelves.
While generic Hydrocortisone Butyrate cream and ointment exist, the Lipocream formulation has fewer generic alternatives. This means if your doctor specifically prescribed Locoid Lipocream, your options may be more limited than with other topical steroids.
Not every pharmacy stocks every medication. Locoid is a mid-potency topical steroid — it's not as commonly dispensed as, say, Triamcinolone Acetonide cream. Pharmacies tend to stock what moves. If Locoid isn't frequently requested at a particular location, they may not keep it on the shelf, especially when supply is tight.
Some insurance plans have moved Locoid to higher tiers or require prior authorization or step therapy (meaning you need to try a cheaper steroid first). When insurers push patients toward alternatives, pharmacies order less Locoid — which creates a cycle where it becomes even harder to find.
If you're struggling to find Locoid, here are practical steps:
Instead of calling pharmacy after pharmacy, use Medfinder to check which pharmacies near you have Locoid in stock. It saves you time and frustration.
If the brand-name Locoid isn't available, ask your pharmacist or doctor about generic Hydrocortisone Butyrate 0.1%. The generic cream and ointment are usually more widely available and significantly cheaper — often $30 to $80 compared to $150 to $400+ for the brand.
Large chain pharmacies aren't your only option. Independent pharmacies often have different supply chains and may carry medications that chains don't stock. Compounding pharmacies can sometimes prepare Hydrocortisone Butyrate formulations as well.
If Locoid is truly unavailable, ask your prescriber about alternatives to Locoid. Other mid-potency topical steroids like Triamcinolone Acetonide 0.1% or Mometasone Furoate 0.1% may work well for your condition.
Finding Locoid in 2026 can be challenging, but it's not impossible. The key is understanding why it's hard to find and using the right tools and strategies to locate it. Whether that means switching to the generic, trying a different pharmacy, or exploring alternatives with your doctor, you have options.
For the latest availability information, check Medfinder — it's the fastest way to find Locoid in stock near you.
Looking to save money? Read our guide on how to save money on Locoid in 2026.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
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