What should I do if my prescription medication is out of stock?

Finding out that your prescription can’t be filled because the medication is out of stock at the pharmacy can be frustrating and stressful. For many people, prescription medications are essential for managing your health and treating urgent needs/conditions.

Before doing anything else, ask your pharmacist when the medication will be in stock and confirm you have enough medication on hand to cover the days until the medication is in stock.

If you need the medication immediately or if the pharmacist isn’t sure, there are some steps you can take. Here is what you can do if your prescription medication is out of stock at your preferred pharmacy.

Depending on where you live, there may be other in-network pharmacies nearby. Call around to see if any have your medication in stock. Once you’ve located a pharmacy that can fill your prescription, ask the new pharmacy to transfer your prescription from the out-of-stock pharmacy.

If your preferred pharmacy is part of a chain (for example, CVS, Walgreens, etc.), they may be able to check if the other locations have the medication on-hand. You can also try a different chain pharmacy to see if your prescription could be filled at one of their locations.

Make sure you confirm that the prescription can be filled at the new location before requesting to have your prescription transferred to a new location.

If your prescription is out-of-stock, you can also ask your pharmacist about alternative options.

Your pharmacist may recommend a similar medication if the pharmacy has it in stock. This could mean a different formulation, strength, or different medication from the same class of drugs.

Once an alternative has been identified, check your plan portal or mobile app to confirm it is covered under your plan. If the drug is covered then ask your pharmacy to contact your provider to see if changing your prescription to a similar in-stock medication might be suitable. If the alternative is not on your health plan’s formulary, a prior authorization may be required.

Be sure to request a refill from your pharmacy at least five business days before you will run out. This will help give you time to refill elsewhere or find an alternative if your medication is out-of-stock. Some pharmacies may also offer an auto-refill program, which may include a home delivery option.

For more information on this or the other options noted above, check with your plan provider to see what prescription refill options may be covered.