What to do if your prescription drug is out of stock

Prescription drug shortages have reached an all-time high since the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists began tracking shortages in 2001. Although prescription drug shortages have been an ongoing problem in the U.S. for more than a decade, the current shortages include basic and life-saving products.

Along with the 32 chemotherapy drugs that are in shortage, other categories of drugs with the most shortages include:

• Central nervous system stimulants, such as ADHD medication
• Antimicrobials
• Hormone agents
• Intravenous fluids

What causes drug shortages

A combination of factors causes prescription drug shortages. COVID-19 made shortages worse, but a complex mix of issues, including increased demand, manufacturing and quality problems, and supply chain gaps, are worsening the current shortages.

“Drug shortages are an ongoing issue that causes frustrations all around, for patients and our practices as well,” says Candace Minter, pharmacist and Sentara Medical Group pharmacy operations manager.

What you can do

If your prescription medication is unavailable at your pharmacy, you can try several things to find it.

1. Keep an open line of communication with your care team. They may have insight into where to get your prescription filled. It’s possible they can prescribe a different brand or medication altogether to ensure you do not experience a disruption in your medication.
   • Tip: If there is a significant shortage of medication, such as some ADHD medications, Minter suggests talking to your care team about getting a paper prescription instead of an electronic one. This makes it easier for patients to transfer a prescription to another location once they find the drug in stock.
2. Talk to your pharmacist. If your pharmacy location does not have the drug but is part of a chain, ask them if they know the drug is available at another store in the same chain. If another store has the drug in stock, the pharmacist should be able to transfer your prescription to the other location. However, Minter cautions that in some cases, particularly if the drug is treated as a controlled substance, your care team may need to call in the prescription to another location instead of having the pharmacist do it.
   • Tip: In addition to drug shortages, we are also experiencing a shortage of pharmacists. Your best bet is to call other stores yourself. This is when having a paper prescription can be helpful for patients.
3. Try calling another chain to fill the prescription. Sometimes, one chain is out of stock of a prescription while others have it. For example, if you usually fill your prescription at Walgreens, try another chain such as CVS or your local grocery store.
   • Tip: Check with your insurance to ensure the drug is covered at the exact cost at another store. Some health insurance companies offer varying prices based on the store where it is purchased. This information is typically found on your health insurer’s website.
4. Try an independent pharmacy. Sometimes, independent pharmacies may be more likely to look for the prescription drug you need. You can find a local independent pharmacy using the National Community Pharmacists Association pharmacy locator website.
5. Consider a mail-order pharmacy. Many health insurance companies offer a mail-order option, and your prescription may be available through that resource. Visit your insurer’s website to review a list of prescriptions your plan covers, prices from various resources, and the options they provide for ordering.
6. Consider the generic form of the drug. Talk to your care team about substituting a generic for the prescription.
7. Try a different dosage or formulation of the same drug. Most prescription drugs come in a variety of doses. Sometimes, one dose is out of stock, but other strengths are available. Some pharmacists can make this change themselves, depending on state law. For example, you may be able to take two 20 mg pills instead of one 40 mg pill. You might also be able to switch formulations, such as switching from a solid pill to a liquid formulation or switching from a longer-acting drug to a short-acting version of the same drug.
   • Tip: When considering a dose or formulation change, check with your insurance to ensure they cover it and that it is the same price.
8. Ask for a partial prescription. If your pharmacy can’t refill a full supply of the drug, whether 30 days or up to 90 days, ask if they can provide a partial refill. For example, they may have seven pills of a 30-day supply. Request they fill the prescription for seven days, giving you time to find the drug elsewhere.
9. Allow plenty of time for refills and use automatic refill options. Request your prescription refill at least three to five days before it runs out. Call your pharmacy or health insurance company to determine the earliest date you can request a refill. This allows the pharmacy or you to fill the prescription elsewhere if needed. Ask your pharmacy if they offer automatic refills and reminders you can sign up for.
   • Tip: Remember that even if you subscribe to automatic refills, it does not mean your drug will be available on time. If your prescription drug is typically out of stock or in short supply, call your pharmacy a few days before it is due to be refilled and make sure they have it in stock or will be able to get it in time to fill your prescription.
10. Don’t wait to get an updated prescription. If your drug label says “Refills: None,” the pharmacy can’t refill the prescription. Start working on a refill request with your care team when you reach “Refills: One” to ensure you do not experience a delay.
    • Tip: Minter notes that your care team may require an appointment or lab work before refilling some prescriptions. This is another reason to start the process as soon as you have one refill. If unsure, consider messaging your care team online, for example, through Sentara MyChart.
11. Call the drug maker to get additional information. Most drug companies offer a customer service line. If you need further help or want to learn more about whether the shortage is localized or nationwide, call the manufacturer and check their website for details.

If you are experiencing a prescription drug shortage, don’t wait—contact your care team to explore alternative medications or solutions to ensure your treatment remains uninterrupted.