Trouble getting 3% Sodium Chloride

Posted by fdixon63 @fdixon63, Feb 24 8:16pm

Has anyone had problem getting Sod Chloride 3% nebulizing solution? I live in Alabama. I went to four pharmacies (Walmart, CVS, Walgreen's and one independent one) and none are able to get it. My insurance mail order source first said they could get it but then said no, it's on back order and no idea how long it will be before it's available. I searched Amazon and no luck. My doctor and CRNP are hearing from me daily. The insurance mail order folks want the doc to submit an alternative but so far that has not happened. I have enough for about a week. Then what? Any suggestions will be appreciated.

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ckscoville | @ckscoville | Feb 25 6:00am

I live in Ponte Vedra, FL. I was having the same problem, but Walgreen's here was able to get it.

fdixon63 | @fdixon63 | Feb 25 9:58am

Thanks ckscoville. I'll try there again. You never know... may be a different answer next time.

liz440 | @liz440 | Feb 25 12:37pm

Try Pharma Caribe in punta gorda they ship https://www.pharmacaribe.com/

cwal | @cwal | Feb 26 6:29am

https://www.amazon.com/RSV-Hypertonic-Saline-3-BRONCHIOLITIS/dp/B079GR8C6T#:~:text=Features-,HYPERTONIC%20SALINE%203%25%20IS%20A%20STRONG%20STERILE%20SOLUTION%20that%20can,it%20easier%20to%20cough%20up.
See if that link works. I just googled 3% saline for inhalation and it came up as being on Amazon.

fdixon63 | @fdixon63 | Feb 26 9:20am

Thanks cwal. I probably saw the product you referenced on Amazon but as I searched, most likely, did not take note that viles were in ounces--not mLs. I've now ordered from a company called Base Laboratories (see below) and this morning they say my order should be delivered tomorrow. Since I am paying out of pocket this time, it's not too expensive. I pay so much into insurance each month, it's frustrating to have to go this route. Faye

3% SALINE VIALS FOR NEBULIZER MACHINE - FOR ADULT & KIDS INHALATION THERAPY - 25 PACK / 5ML VIALS × 1
Cost was $22.90 - no shipping costs.

melinda561 | @melinda561 | Feb 26 2:30pm

Amazon.

ckscoville | @ckscoville | Feb 27 6:26am

Using GoodRX, a one-month supply of 3% Sodium Chloride (60 vials of 4ml each) costs $11.70 at Walgreen's.

barbdk | @barbdk | Feb 28 6:50am

At my Walgreens it was out of stock nationwide I was told during the pandemic. It’s been available now for a while. My doc said it was ok to use 7% saline until the 3% was available.

fdixon63 | @fdixon63 | Feb 28 8:50am

Thanks barbdk. I have used 7% in the past but it is more difficult to tolerate now. It irritates my throat but I will use it half and half with 3%.

juliea55 | @juliea55 | Feb 28 9:24am

My Florida CVS was never able to obtain the smaller vials, but substituted larger vials of I think 15 ml. They were good for at least 24 hours, which I was told was two uses, but technically could be used 3 times in 24 hours. I was told to store the vial in a large medicine bottle. You run into problems with some prescriptions this way (750 ml is 50 vials or something for a 90 day prescription), but it mostly worked for a while this way.