Why Is Proctofoam-Hc So Hard to Find?

If you've been prescribed Proctofoam-Hc for hemorrhoids or anal discomfort, you may have already discovered something frustrating: it's not always easy to find on pharmacy shelves. You're not imagining things. Many patients across the country have reported difficulty filling their Proctofoam-Hc prescriptions in recent years, and the problem has continued into 2026.

In this article, we'll explain what Proctofoam-Hc is, why it's been difficult to locate, and — most importantly — what you can do about it.

What Is Proctofoam-Hc?

Proctofoam-Hc is a prescription aerosol foam used to treat pain, itching, swelling, and discomfort in the anal area. It's commonly prescribed for hemorrhoids, anal fissures, proctitis, and other anorectal conditions.

The foam contains two active ingredients:

• Hydrocortisone Acetate (1%) — a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation, redness, and swelling
• Pramoxine Hydrochloride (1%) — a local anesthetic that temporarily numbs the area for fast pain and itch relief

Proctofoam-Hc is manufactured by Mylan Specialty L.P., a Viatris company. It comes in a 10-gram aerosol canister with a special applicator for anal use. The typical dose is 3 to 4 applications per day.

For a deeper dive into how this medication works, check out our guide on how Proctofoam-Hc works.

Why Is Proctofoam-Hc Hard to Find in 2026?

There are several reasons why Proctofoam-Hc has become difficult to locate at pharmacies. Here are the main factors:

1. Specialized Manufacturing Process

Proctofoam-Hc is not a simple cream or ointment — it's an aerosol foam delivered from a pressurized canister. This specialized formulation requires specific manufacturing equipment and processes that not every pharmaceutical facility can handle. The foam is produced by Pharmasol Corporation for Viatris, and any disruption at the manufacturing site can quickly lead to supply gaps.

2. Past Recalls Have Disrupted Supply

In January 2022, Viatris issued a recall of four batches of Proctofoam-Hc at the retail level due to quality concerns. Recalls like this remove product from pharmacy shelves and can take months to fully recover from, especially for niche medications with limited manufacturing capacity.

3. Limited Distribution and Niche Market

Proctofoam-Hc serves a relatively small patient population compared to blockbuster drugs. Because of this, many pharmacies — especially larger chain pharmacies — may not keep it regularly in stock. It's often a special-order item, which means your pharmacist may need to request it from their wholesaler, and it may not always be available.

4. Insurance Formulary Issues

Many insurance plans, including Medicare Part D and Medicaid, either don't cover Proctofoam-Hc or place it on higher copay tiers. This lower demand from insurance-covered patients can lead pharmacies to stock fewer units. When a pharmacy doesn't fill many prescriptions for a drug, they're less likely to keep it on hand.

What Can You Do If You Can't Find Proctofoam-Hc?

The good news is that you have options. Here are some practical steps to take:

Use Medfinder to Check Pharmacy Availability

The fastest way to find Proctofoam-Hc in stock near you is to use Medfinder. Medfinder helps you search for medication availability at pharmacies in your area in real time, saving you from calling around to dozens of stores.

Try Independent Pharmacies

Independent and compounding pharmacies often have better access to niche medications like Proctofoam-Hc. They may also be more willing to special-order it for you. Don't limit your search to the big chain pharmacies — smaller pharmacies can be a lifesaver.

Ask Your Doctor About Alternatives

If Proctofoam-Hc is truly unavailable, your doctor may be able to prescribe an alternative. Alternatives to Proctofoam-Hc include generic Hydrocortisone/Pramoxine cream (available from around $41 with a coupon), Analpram HC, or even over-the-counter Hydrocortisone products for milder symptoms.

Look Into Savings Programs

The brand-name Proctofoam-Hc can cost $190 to $235 without insurance. If cost is a barrier, explore ways to save money on Proctofoam-Hc, including discount cards from GoodRx and SingleCare, and the Viatris Patient Assistance Program for uninsured patients.

Tips for Getting Your Prescription Filled Faster

Here are a few more tips to help you get your Proctofoam-Hc sooner:

• Call ahead — Before driving to a pharmacy, call and ask if they have Proctofoam-Hc in stock or can order it for you.
• Try off-peak hours — Pharmacies may be more responsive to special orders early in the week (Monday or Tuesday) when they're placing their regular wholesaler orders.
• Ask your pharmacist for help — Pharmacists can often check inventory across multiple locations in their chain or suggest nearby pharmacies that may carry it.
• Be flexible on timing — If your pharmacy can special-order it, it may arrive in 1-3 business days.

For more detailed strategies, read our guide on how to find Proctofoam-Hc in stock near you.

Final Thoughts

Finding Proctofoam-Hc in 2026 can be challenging, but it's not impossible. The supply issues are driven by a combination of specialized manufacturing, past recalls, limited distribution, and insurance factors. By using tools like Medfinder, trying independent pharmacies, and talking to your doctor about alternatives, you can get the relief you need.

If you're a healthcare provider looking for tools to help your patients, visit our provider's guide for practical workflow tips.