rxstatShortages › Cromolyn

Cromolyn (Opticrom, Nalcrom) shortage status

Partial shortage

Source: Health Canada shortage reports · Updated Jul 9, 2026

Some Cromolyn products are in shortage in Canada (2 of 5 reported products), while others remain available. Your pharmacy may be able to substitute an unaffected manufacturer.

A mast cell stabilizer used to prevent allergy and asthma symptoms.

Products affected
2 / 5
In shortage since
Mar 10, 2017
Reports on file
19
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Pharmacists can substitute an unaffected manufacturer's version, adjust strengths, and in most provinces adapt or renew a prescription on the spot.
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Shortage history

2023 2024 2025 2026

Shortage history (red bands = periods in shortage).

Reports by product

The DIN is printed on your prescription label.

Active shortage
APO-CROMOLYN NASAL SPRAY
2% · SOLUTION SPRAY · APOTEX INC
DIN 02231390 · since Mar 10, 2017, no end estimate · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Active shortage
APO-CROMOLYN STERULES
1% · SOLUTION · APOTEX INC
DIN 02231431 · since Mar 10, 2017, no end estimate · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
NALCROM
100MG · CAPSULE · SANOFI-AVENTIS CANADA INC
DIN 00500895 · ended Nov 7, 2022 · Intermittent Supply Delay and higher than anticipated demand due to recent shortage posting. Allocation has been initiated and may continue through 2022.
Resolved
NALCROM
100MG · CAPSULE · LUPIN PHARMA CANADA LIMITED
DIN 00500895 · ended Jan 5, 2026 · Demand increase for the drug.
Resolved
NALCROM
100MG · CAPSULE · SANOFI-AVENTIS CANADA INC
DIN 00500895 · ended Oct 4, 2024
Resolved
NALCROM
100MG · CAPSULE · SANOFI-AVENTIS CANADA INC
DIN 00500895 · ended Jun 30, 2023 · Replenishment supply is available to market. Intermittent supply constraints. Allocations are for protective measures.
Discontinued
PMS-SODIUM CROMOGLYCATE
1% · SOLUTION · PHARMASCIENCE INC
DIN 02046113
Resolved
NALCROM
100MG · CAPSULE · SANOFI-AVENTIS CANADA INC
DIN 00500895 · ended Sep 23, 2022
Avoided
PMS-SODIUM CROMOGLYCATE
1% · SOLUTION · PHARMASCIENCE INC
DIN 02046113 · ended Jan 18, 2022 · Please find anticipated discontinuation report for 02046113
Resolved
NALCROM
100MG · CAPSULE · SANOFI-AVENTIS CANADA INC
DIN 00500895 · ended Apr 28, 2022
Resolved
NALCROM
100MG · CAPSULE · SANOFI-AVENTIS CANADA INC
DIN 00500895 · ended Mar 25, 2022 · Delay in shipping of the drug.
Resolved
NALCROM
100MG · CAPSULE · SANOFI-AVENTIS CANADA INC
DIN 00500895 · ended May 21, 2021

Showing 12 of 19 reports. All reports are on file with Health Canada.

What's happening

Cromolyn is currently affected by 2 active shortage reports filed with Health Canada by APOTEX INC.

The reported cause is: disruption of the manufacture of the drug. Manufacturers must report shortages, but end-date estimates are their own projections and often move.

If your usual product is affected, a pharmacist is the fastest route to a solution: they can dispense an unaffected manufacturer's equivalent when one exists, and in most provinces can adapt doses or substitute a therapeutic alternative without a new appointment.

Cromolyn is classified under “INTESTINALANTIINFLAMMATORY AGENTS” (ATC A07EB).

Recent changes

Common questions

What is Cromolyn used for?

A mast cell stabilizer used to prevent allergy and asthma symptoms.

When will Cromolyn be back in stock in Canada?

Manufacturers have not provided a reliable end date. This page updates automatically as soon as an estimate is filed.

Why is Cromolyn in shortage?

See the reports above; manufacturers must state a reason (most commonly manufacturing disruption or a surge in demand) when filing with Health Canada.

What can my pharmacist do about it?

Often quite a lot: substitute an equivalent product from an unaffected manufacturer, adjust quantities, or in most provinces adapt or renew prescriptions on the spot. Call your pharmacy before visiting, and call 811 for free health advice.

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Possible alternatives in the same class (intestinalantiinflammatory agents)

Drugs in the same therapeutic class, best-supplied first. These are not automatic substitutes: only your pharmacist or prescriber can judge whether a switch makes sense for you.

Guides: what to do when your medication is in shortage · how to read shortage reports

Data reflects reports manufacturers are legally required to file with Health Canada, republished with per-drug aggregation by rxstat. Estimated end dates are supplied by manufacturers and frequently change. This page describes drug supply only and is not medical advice; never stop or switch a medication without speaking to your pharmacist or prescriber.