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

If you've been standing at a pharmacy counter and heard the words "we don't carry that" or "it's on backorder," you're not alone. Perforomist (formoterol fumarate) inhalation solution is a nebulized long-acting bronchodilator for COPD — and patients across the country report difficulty finding it at their local pharmacy. This guide breaks down exactly why that happens and what you can do today.

What Is Perforomist and Why Do People Need It?

Perforomist is the brand name for formoterol fumarate inhalation solution — a long-acting beta-2 agonist (LABA) delivered through a standard jet nebulizer. It is FDA-approved for the long-term, twice-daily maintenance treatment of bronchoconstriction in adults with COPD, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

Unlike handheld inhalers, Perforomist is delivered as a mist via nebulizer — making it the preferred option for COPD patients who can't coordinate inhaler use, those with severe airflow limitation, or elderly patients who find metered-dose inhalers difficult. For these patients, going without Perforomist isn't just inconvenient — it can lead to worsening symptoms, hospitalizations, and dangerous exacerbations.

Why Is Perforomist Hard to Find at Pharmacies?

Several factors combine to make Perforomist harder to reliably stock than typical oral medications:

• Specialized storage requirements: Perforomist must be refrigerated (36°F–46°F) until dispensed. Unit-dose vials add cost and complexity to pharmacy inventory management.
• Limited patient population: Nebulized LABAs are a niche product. Many retail pharmacies don't stock Perforomist regularly because demand at any given location is low, making it an "order as needed" item.
• High brand cost creates switch pressure: Brand-name Perforomist retails for $865–$1,484 per 30-day supply (60 vials). Insurance plans and PBMs routinely push prescribers and patients toward alternatives, reducing pharmacy stocking incentives.
• Supply chain fragility: Nebulizer solutions have complex manufacturing requirements. A disruption at one facility can cascade into regional shortages.
• Generic transition: Generic formoterol fumarate inhalation solution is available, but not every pharmacy stocks both brand and generic — and switching between them requires prescriber notification.

Is Perforomist on the FDA Drug Shortage List?

As of 2026, formoterol fumarate inhalation solution is not on the FDA's official Drug Shortage List. This means the difficulty patients experience is less about a declared national shortage and more about localized stocking issues — pharmacies that simply don't keep it on hand routinely. That distinction matters because it means the medication exists; you just need to find which pharmacy has it.

Which Pharmacies Are Most Likely to Stock Perforomist?

Not all pharmacies are created equal when it comes to nebulizer medications. Here's what to know:

• Mail-order and specialty pharmacies (like CVS Specialty, Walgreens Mail Service, or Express Scripts) tend to reliably stock Perforomist and can ship directly to patients.
• Large hospital-affiliated pharmacies are more likely to carry nebulized medications due to inpatient demand.
• Small independent retail pharmacies may not stock Perforomist but can order it — typically taking 1–3 business days.

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What Should You Do If You Can't Find Perforomist?

Here are practical steps to take when your pharmacy doesn't have Perforomist in stock:

1. Call multiple pharmacies. Don't just try one. Ask for Perforomist 20 mcg/2 mL inhalation solution specifically.
2. Ask about generic formoterol fumarate. Generic versions are therapeutically equivalent and may be easier to source.
3. Contact your prescriber. They may be able to contact a pharmacy directly or discuss alternative nebulized LABAs like Brovana (arformoterol).
4. Use medfinder.medfinder calls pharmacies near you to find which ones have Perforomist in stock — so you don't have to spend hours on hold.

Can You Switch From Perforomist to Something Else?

Yes — but only with your doctor's guidance. Never stop or switch a COPD maintenance medication on your own. Your pulmonologist or PCP can evaluate whether Brovana (arformoterol), a LAMA like Yupelri (revefenacin), or a combination inhaler is appropriate for your specific situation. See our full guide to

Perforomist alternatives for a complete breakdown.

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The Bottom Line

Perforomist is a critical medication for many COPD patients. Its difficulty to find comes down to specialized storage, low per-pharmacy demand, and pricing pressure — not a nationwide supply crisis. The good news: it can almost always be found with some extra effort.

medfinder helps you skip the frustrating phone calls by locating Perforomist in stock at pharmacies near you. Learn how to find it at

our step-by-step guide to finding Perforomist in stock near you.