Why Checking Stock Before You Go Matters

When you need Afterpill (Levonorgestrel 1.5 mg), time is everything. The medication is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse — ideally within 24 hours and no later than 72 hours. The last thing you want is to drive to a pharmacy only to find it's out of stock.

While Afterpill and other Levonorgestrel emergency contraceptives are widely available, periodic stockouts do happen, especially during periods of increased demand or in areas with fewer pharmacy options. Checking stock before you go can save you precious time.

Use MedFinder to Check Stock Online

The most efficient way to find Afterpill in stock near you — without calling — is MedFinder. MedFinder lets you search for medications by name and location, showing you which pharmacies currently have the drug available.

Here's how to use it:

1. Go to medfinder.com
2. Enter "Afterpill" or "Levonorgestrel" in the search bar
3. Enter your zip code or city
4. Browse results showing pharmacy locations with current availability information

This approach is faster than calling individual pharmacies and gives you a broader view of options in your area.

Check Major Pharmacy Websites and Apps

Several large pharmacy chains offer online tools to check medication availability:

CVS Pharmacy

CVS allows you to search for medications on their website and app. While they may not show real-time OTC stock levels, you can check if Levonorgestrel products are carried at your local store and place an order for pickup.

Walgreens

The Walgreens app and website let you browse their emergency contraception options. Some locations offer same-day pickup ordering, which effectively confirms availability.

Walmart

Walmart's website allows you to check if emergency contraception is available for pickup at your nearest store. Use the "Check nearby stores" feature.

Rite Aid

Rite Aid's online pharmacy tools let you search medications and check local store inventory for pickup.

Amazon Pharmacy

For non-urgent advance provision, Amazon Pharmacy and Amazon.com carry Levonorgestrel emergency contraceptives with delivery options. This won't help in an emergency but is great for having it on hand.

Order Directly from AfterPill.com

The Afterpill brand is primarily sold through AfterPill.com at approximately $20 plus $5 shipping. This is the "advance provision" model — order before you need it so it's ready in your medicine cabinet.

Key considerations:

• Shipping typically takes a few business days, so this isn't ideal for immediate need
• It's significantly cheaper than most pharmacy options ($40–$50 for other brands)
• Great option for having emergency contraception on hand proactively

Use Google Maps for Quick Pharmacy Info

Google Maps can be surprisingly helpful:

1. Search "emergency contraception near me" or "pharmacy near me"
2. Check the pharmacy's listing for hours, phone number, and sometimes product availability
3. Read recent reviews — other customers sometimes mention stock issues
4. Use the "Popular times" feature to visit when the pharmacy is less busy

Alternative Names to Search For

If you can't find "Afterpill" specifically, remember that several brands contain the same active ingredient (Levonorgestrel 1.5 mg). Search for any of these:

• Plan B One-Step — the most widely recognized brand, typically $40–$50
• Take Action — generic alternative available at many pharmacies
• My Way — another affordable generic option
• Option 2 — available at select pharmacies
• EContra One-Step — generic Levonorgestrel EC
• New Day — another equivalent product
• React — available at some retailers

All of these contain the same 1.5 mg dose of Levonorgestrel and work the same way. For a deeper comparison, see our guide on alternatives to Afterpill.

When You Should Call the Pharmacy

While this guide is about avoiding phone calls, there are times when calling makes sense:

• Rural areas with limited pharmacy options — confirming stock saves a long drive
• After-hours needs — call to confirm the pharmacy is open and stocked before heading out
• Behind-the-counter policies — some pharmacies keep emergency contraception behind the counter, even though it's OTC. Calling confirms you won't face unexpected barriers.

Pro tip: When calling, ask for the pharmacy department directly and say: "I'd like to check if you have Levonorgestrel emergency contraception in stock." Using the generic name increases your chances of a match since they may carry a different brand.

What If No Pharmacy Near You Has It?

If you're having trouble finding Afterpill or any Levonorgestrel EC in stock, here are your next steps:

1. Expand your search radius on MedFinder — a pharmacy 20 minutes away may have it.
2. Try a different brand — all Levonorgestrel 1.5 mg products are equivalent.
3. Consider Ella (Ulipristal Acetate) — a prescription alternative that's effective up to 5 days. It requires a doctor's prescription but may be more readily available. Learn about finding a prescribing doctor.
4. Visit a health clinic — Planned Parenthood and community health centers often keep emergency contraception in stock.
5. Check the current shortage status — read our Afterpill shortage update for the latest information.

Plan Ahead: Keep Afterpill on Hand

The best way to ensure you have Afterpill when you need it is to buy it in advance. Emergency contraception has a long shelf life (typically 3–4 years), and having it in your medicine cabinet eliminates the stress of finding it in a time crunch.

Options for advance purchase:

• AfterPill.com — approximately $20 + $5 shipping
• Amazon — various Levonorgestrel brands available for delivery
• Your local pharmacy — pick one up during a routine visit

For tips on getting the best price, see our guide on saving money on Afterpill.

The Bottom Line

You don't need to call every pharmacy in town to find Afterpill. Tools like MedFinder, pharmacy websites, and smart search strategies can help you locate it quickly and discreetly. Remember that all Levonorgestrel 1.5 mg products are equivalent, so don't limit yourself to one brand name.

Most importantly, time matters — use these tools to find Afterpill fast and take it as soon as possible. For more information, explore our guides on what Afterpill is, side effects to expect, and how it works.