And if you’ve found your way to this article, I’m guessing you’ve already considered and ruled out therapeutic substitutes as a viable option. That’s completely understandable—sometimes, you need the exact medication you’ve been prescribed. Here are some steps you can take to find it.
When medication shortages hit, it’s easy to feel stuck, especially if you rely on one of the big three pharmacy chains—CVS, Walgreens, or Walmart. These national chains dominate the market, which can limit options when they’re all affected by the same supply chain issues. However, there’s good news: not all pharmacies use the same distributors. With a bit of research, you might be able to find a smaller, independent pharmacy that can meet your needs. Here’s how to get started.
1. Look for Independent Pharmacies
Independent pharmacies are often overlooked, but they can be a great alternative when the larger chains are out of stock. Many independent pharmacies work with regional or smaller distributors, giving them access to different medication supplies. Plus, they may have more flexibility in sourcing medications compared to the big chains.
• How to Find Them: Use online directories like the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) or simply do a local search for “independent pharmacy” near you. Often, these pharmacies are family-owned and pride themselves on personalized service. A friend of my mom’s has a personal relationship with his independent pharmacist and he sets aside his medication for him every month.
2. Check Out Specialty Pharmacies
Specialty pharmacies focus on providing medications for complex or chronic conditions, such as cancer, autoimmune diseases, or HIV. While their primary focus might be on high-cost or rare drugs, they often have different supply chains than the big chains and might be able to help with more common medications during a shortage.
• Pro Tip: Your healthcare provider may be able to refer you to a specialty pharmacy if you’re having trouble with traditional ones.
3. Consider Compounding Pharmacies
Compounding pharmacies can create medications tailored specifically for you by mixing individual ingredients. If your medication is unavailable, compounding pharmacies may be able to make a custom version. Though they often focus on specific formulations, their ability to create medications from scratch means they use different suppliers and can sometimes sidestep nationwide shortages.
• How to Find Them: Look up accredited compounding pharmacies through the Pharmacy Compounding Accreditation Board (PCAB) or ask your healthcare provider for a recommendation.
4. Look for Local or Regional Pharmacy Chains
Not all pharmacy chains operate nationwide. Some regional chains or local pharmacy networks serve specific states or areas and may use different distributors than the big three. These regional chains often have a more flexible approach to sourcing medications and may have stock when larger chains don’t.
• How to Find Them: Do a search for pharmacy chains specific to your state or region. Examples include Bartell Drugs in the Pacific Northwest or Discount Drug Mart in Ohio.
5. Ask About Hospital Pharmacies
Hospital pharmacies aren’t just for inpatients. Many hospitals have outpatient pharmacies that cater to the general public, and these pharmacies often use different suppliers than retail pharmacies. They also have access to medications that may not be readily available elsewhere.
• How to Access: Call your local hospital’s pharmacy to ask if they provide outpatient services. They can often fill prescriptions, and in some cases, might even have access to a wider range of medications. If you have a doctor associated with a hospital, see if they can get you access to their in hospital pharmacy.
6. Use Online and Mail-Order Pharmacies
Online pharmacies and mail-order services are another option. Some of these pharmacies, especially those based overseas, have different distributors and might have access to medications that are unavailable locally. Just be sure to use accredited and legitimate online pharmacies to avoid counterfeit drugs.
• Stay Safe: Use resources like the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP)’s Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites (VIPPS) to ensure you’re dealing with a legitimate online pharmacy.
7. Network with Your Healthcare Providers
Your healthcare providers are a valuable resource when it comes to finding alternative pharmacies. Doctors and nurses often have connections to smaller or specialized pharmacies and can provide recommendations if you’re having trouble filling a prescription at a big chain.
• Proactive Step: Don’t hesitate to ask your healthcare provider for advice on finding a pharmacy that uses a different distributor. They can guide you to the right place, and in some cases, might even have access to medication samples.
8. Call Around
When all else fails, start calling. Local independent pharmacies and smaller chains may not have the same online presence as the big three, so a phone call can be your best bet for finding out if they have your medication in stock.
• Phone Etiquette Tip: When calling, be polite but direct. Ask if they have the medication in stock, when they expect to get more, and if they can hold it for you if it becomes available.
When seeking out access to controlled substances, be patient: Many pharmacies either because of store policy aren’t allowed to disclose their available stock over the phone. I’d say 9/10 calls I’ve made to pharmacies, they are willing to disclose over the phone, but depending on how likely the medication you are prescribed is to be abused, your results may vary.
Final Thoughts
While CVS, Walgreens, and other big chains are convenient, they’re not your only option during a medication shortage. By exploring independent, specialty, compounding, and hospital pharmacies, you may be able to find the medication you need through different supply chains. Stay proactive, and remember that there are always alternatives if you’re willing to dig a little deeper into your local pharmacy landscape.
By seeking out pharmacies with different distributors, you can increase your chances of finding the medication you need and keeping your health on track, even during challenging times.
This article offers practical steps for finding alternative pharmacies that may have access to different medication distributors than the major chains, helping individuals navigate medication shortages with more options at their disposal.