Stop Calling Around — There's a Better Way to Find Amitiza

You've got your prescription. Now you just need to fill it. But if you've ever driven to a pharmacy only to hear "we don't have that in stock," you know how frustrating the process can be.

Amitiza (Lubiprostone) isn't always sitting on every pharmacy shelf. It's a specialty medication with limited generic manufacturers, so availability can vary from one pharmacy to the next. The good news is you don't have to call every pharmacy in town to find it. Here's how to check stock without picking up the phone.

Why Amitiza Can Be Hard to Find

A few factors make Amitiza harder to track down than your average prescription:

• Limited generic manufacturers — While generic Lubiprostone became available after Amitiza's patent expiration around 2024-2025, not many companies produce it yet. Fewer manufacturers means less consistent supply.
• Distribution variability — Even when a generic is available, not every pharmacy wholesaler carries it, and individual pharmacies may not stock it regularly.
• Low demand at individual locations — Pharmacies stock medications based on demand. If a store doesn't fill many Lubiprostone prescriptions, they may not keep it on hand.

For a deeper look, read our full article on why Amitiza is hard to find in 2026.

How to Check Stock Without Calling

1. Use Medfinder

Medfinder is built specifically to help you find medications that are hard to track down. Just enter "Amitiza" or "Lubiprostone," your zip code, and the tool shows you which pharmacies near you have it available — no phone calls needed.

This is especially useful for medications like Amitiza where stock varies significantly by location. Medfinder checks real-time availability so you're not wasting time on pharmacies that don't have it.

2. Check Pharmacy Apps and Websites

Many major pharmacy chains let you check prescription availability or transfer prescriptions through their apps:

• CVS — The CVS app and website allow you to search for medications and check if they can be filled at a specific location.
• Walgreens — You can use the Walgreens app to transfer prescriptions and check store-level availability.
• Walmart Pharmacy — Walmart's pharmacy portal lets you manage prescriptions and check availability online.
• Rite Aid — Similar prescription management tools available through their app.

Keep in mind that pharmacy apps don't always show real-time stock for every medication. They're better for common drugs. For something like Amitiza, Medfinder is usually more reliable.

3. Use GoodRx to Compare Prices and Availability

GoodRx isn't just for coupons — it can also show you which pharmacies near you carry a medication and what they're charging. Search for "Lubiprostone" on GoodRx to see prices at different pharmacies in your area. If a pharmacy shows a price, it generally means they stock it or can order it.

While you're there, you might find a coupon or discount that brings down your cost.

4. Try Your Insurance Company's Pharmacy Finder

Most health insurance plans have an online tool or app that shows which pharmacies in your network carry specific medications. Log into your insurance portal, navigate to the pharmacy finder, and search for Amitiza or Lubiprostone. This also helps you confirm that a pharmacy is in-network, which can save you money.

5. Contact Your Doctor's Office

Your prescriber's office often knows which local pharmacies reliably stock specific medications. When your doctor writes the prescription, ask: "Which pharmacy do you recommend for filling this?" They may be able to send it directly to a pharmacy they know carries it.

If You Prefer to Call

Sometimes a quick phone call is the fastest route. If you do call, here are some tips:

• Call the pharmacy directly — not the main store number. Ask for the pharmacy department.
• Ask for both brand and generic — Say: "Do you have Lubiprostone 24 mcg capsules in stock? Either brand Amitiza or generic is fine."
• Ask if they can order it — If it's not on the shelf, many pharmacies can order it from their wholesaler within 1 to 2 business days.
• Call early in the day — Pharmacy staff are less busy in the morning and more likely to take time to check.

Once You Find It in Stock

Found a pharmacy that has Amitiza? Here's how to make sure the process goes smoothly:

Transfer Your Prescription

If your prescription was sent to a pharmacy that doesn't have it, you can transfer it. Most pharmacies can handle transfers over the phone. Just call the new pharmacy, give them the prescription number and the old pharmacy's info, and they'll handle the rest.

Ask About Auto-Refills

Once you've found a reliable pharmacy, set up automatic refills. This tells the pharmacy to keep your medication in stock because they know they'll fill it regularly. It also ensures you don't run out.

Consider Mail-Order Pharmacy

If local availability is a recurring problem, ask your insurance about mail-order pharmacy options. Many plans offer 90-day supplies through mail order, often at a lower cost. This eliminates the stock-checking process entirely.

Check the Price

Before you fill, make sure you're getting a good price. Brand-name Amitiza can cost $400 to $530 for a 30-day supply, while generic Lubiprostone runs $60 to $150. Check our guide on how to save money on Amitiza for coupons, discount cards, and patient assistance programs.

Final Thoughts

Checking pharmacy stock doesn't have to mean calling a dozen stores. Tools like Medfinder make it easy to find exactly where Amitiza is available near you. Combine that with pharmacy apps, GoodRx, and your insurance portal, and you'll spend less time searching and more time feeling better.

Ready to find Amitiza near you? Search on Medfinder now.