What to Do When You Cannot Find Baloxavir Marboxil

Your doctor prescribed Baloxavir Marboxil (Xofluza), but your pharmacy is out of stock. The clock is ticking—flu antivirals work best within 48 hours of symptom onset. What are your options?

The good news is that there are several effective alternative flu medications available. In this guide, we will walk you through each one so you and your doctor can choose the best backup plan. If you have not tried all your options yet, first check our guide on how to find Baloxavir Marboxil in stock near you.

Understanding Why Alternatives Matter

Baloxavir Marboxil is a popular flu treatment because it requires only a single dose. However, there is no generic version of Xofluza, and seasonal demand can make it hard to find. When every hour counts, having a backup plan is essential. For background on the shortage, read why Baloxavir Marboxil is so hard to find in 2026.

Alternative 1: Oseltamivir (Tamiflu)

Oseltamivir, commonly known by its brand name Tamiflu, is the most widely used flu antiviral in the United States. Here is what you need to know:

• How it works: Oseltamivir is a neuraminidase inhibitor. It blocks a different enzyme than Baloxavir Marboxil but also stops the flu virus from spreading in your body.
• Dosing: Unlike the single dose of Xofluza, Oseltamivir is taken twice daily for five days.
• Availability: Oseltamivir has been available as a generic since 2016, which makes it much cheaper and more widely stocked at pharmacies.
• Cost: Generic Oseltamivir typically costs $20 to $50 with a coupon or insurance, making it far more affordable than Xofluza.
• Effectiveness: Studies show Oseltamivir reduces flu symptoms by about one to two days, similar to Baloxavir Marboxil.
• Who can take it: Approved for patients 2 weeks of age and older for treatment, and 1 year and older for prevention.

Oseltamivir is often the first alternative doctors suggest when Xofluza is unavailable. Its wide availability and low cost make it a reliable choice.

Alternative 2: Zanamivir (Relenza)

Zanamivir is another neuraminidase inhibitor, but it is delivered differently:

• How it works: Like Oseltamivir, Zanamivir blocks the neuraminidase enzyme the flu virus needs to spread.
• Dosing: Two inhalations (10 mg total) twice daily for five days.
• Form: Zanamivir comes as a dry powder that you inhale using a special device called a Diskhaler.
• Important limitation: Zanamivir is NOT recommended for people with asthma, COPD, or other chronic respiratory conditions, as it can cause bronchospasm.
• Who can take it: Approved for treatment in patients 7 years and older and prevention in patients 5 years and older.

Zanamivir can be a good option if you cannot find Xofluza or Oseltamivir, but make sure to tell your doctor about any breathing problems before starting it.

Alternative 3: Peramivir (Rapivab)

Peramivir is a less commonly used flu antiviral, but it has a unique advantage:

• How it works: Peramivir is also a neuraminidase inhibitor.
• Dosing: A single intravenous (IV) infusion given over 15 to 30 minutes.
• When it is used: Peramivir is typically reserved for patients who cannot take oral medications, such as those who are hospitalized or have severe vomiting.
• Who can take it: Approved for patients 6 months and older.

While Peramivir is not a typical first choice for outpatient treatment, it is worth knowing about, especially if you are unable to take pills.

How Do These Alternatives Compare to Baloxavir Marboxil?

Here is a quick comparison to help you understand the differences:

• Convenience: Xofluza wins with its single oral dose. Oseltamivir requires five days of twice-daily dosing. Zanamivir requires five days of twice-daily inhalation. Peramivir is a single IV dose.
• Cost: Generic Oseltamivir is the most affordable option. Xofluza and Peramivir tend to be the most expensive.
• Availability: Oseltamivir is the most widely available, followed by Zanamivir. Xofluza can be harder to find during flu season.
• Effectiveness: All four medications reduce flu duration by about one to two days when taken within 48 hours of symptom onset.

What About Over-the-Counter Flu Medications?

It is important to understand that over-the-counter (OTC) flu medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil), and cough suppressants only treat symptoms. They do not fight the flu virus itself. While they can help you feel more comfortable, they are not a replacement for prescription antivirals like Baloxavir Marboxil or its alternatives.

That said, your doctor may recommend using OTC medications alongside a prescription antiviral to manage symptoms like fever, body aches, and congestion.

Talk to Your Doctor

If you cannot find Baloxavir Marboxil, the most important step is to contact your doctor right away. Do not wait. Explain that Xofluza is unavailable and ask for an alternative prescription. Most doctors are very familiar with this situation during flu season and can quickly switch you to another medication.

For more information about Xofluza, including how it works and its side effects, check out our articles on how Baloxavir Marboxil works and Baloxavir Marboxil side effects. You can also explore ways to save money on Baloxavir Marboxil in case it becomes available.

The Bottom Line

While Baloxavir Marboxil is a great single-dose flu treatment, it is not your only option. Oseltamivir (Tamiflu), Zanamivir (Relenza), and Peramivir (Rapivab) are all proven alternatives that can help you fight the flu. The key is to act fast—talk to your doctor, get an alternative prescription, and start treatment as soon as possible. Use MedFinder to help locate any of these medications at a pharmacy near you.