You've got your prescription for Buprenorphine/Naloxone. Now you need to find a pharmacy that actually has it. If you've tried filling this medication before, you know it's not always straightforward. Many pharmacies don't stock Buprenorphine/Naloxone at all, and calling around can be exhausting and discouraging. The good news: there are ways to check stock without picking up the phone.

Why Is Buprenorphine/Naloxone Hard to Find at Pharmacies?

Even though Buprenorphine/Naloxone (brand names Suboxone, Zubsolv, and Bunavail) is not on national shortage lists, finding it in stock can be surprisingly difficult. There are a few reasons for this:

• DEA ordering limits — Pharmacies have caps on how much of a Schedule III controlled substance they can order, which limits supply.
• Pharmacy stocking decisions — Some pharmacies choose not to carry Buprenorphine/Naloxone due to stigma around opioid use disorder treatment or low demand in their area.
• Specific dose and formulation issues — A pharmacy might have the 8mg/2mg film but not the 2mg/0.5mg tablet you need.

This doesn't mean Buprenorphine/Naloxone is unavailable — it means you need the right tools to find where it's in stock near you.

How to Check Stock Without Calling

1. Medfinder

Medfinder is built specifically for this problem. Enter your medication and location, and it shows you which nearby pharmacies have Buprenorphine/Naloxone available. It saves you the hassle of calling multiple pharmacies, which can feel especially burdensome when you're trying to start or continue OUD treatment.

Medfinder is free to use and works for both brand and generic Buprenorphine/Naloxone.

2. Pharmacy Chain Apps and Websites

Some large pharmacy chains let you check medication availability or transfer prescriptions through their apps:

• CVS — The CVS app and website allow you to manage prescriptions and check if a transfer is possible to a different location.
• Walgreens — Walgreens' app has prescription management features, though real-time stock checks for controlled substances can be limited.
• Walmart Pharmacy — You can manage prescriptions online and request transfers between Walmart locations.

Keep in mind that these apps may not always show real-time stock for controlled substances like Buprenorphine/Naloxone. They're most useful for transferring prescriptions between locations within the same chain.

3. GoodRx

GoodRx shows pricing at pharmacies near you, which can indirectly tell you which pharmacies carry Buprenorphine/Naloxone. If a pharmacy shows a price for your medication, it's likely available there or can be ordered. GoodRx also offers discount coupons that can significantly reduce the cost of generic Buprenorphine/Naloxone — sometimes to as low as $36 to $80 for a 30-day supply.

4. Your Doctor's Office

Many prescribers who specialize in addiction medicine have direct relationships with pharmacies that reliably stock Buprenorphine/Naloxone. Ask your doctor's office which pharmacies they recommend. Some clinics have staff specifically dedicated to helping patients locate their medication.

If You Prefer to Call

Sometimes a phone call is still the fastest option. If you do call pharmacies, here are some tips:

• Be specific about the dose, formulation (film vs. tablet), and brand or generic preference.
• Ask if they can order it if they don't have it in stock right now. Many pharmacies can get Buprenorphine/Naloxone within one to two business days.
• Try independent pharmacies — they may be more flexible in stocking and ordering Buprenorphine/Naloxone than chain pharmacies.
• Call early in the day when pharmacy staff are less busy and more able to help.

Once You Find It in Stock

After you've located a pharmacy with Buprenorphine/Naloxone available:

• Act quickly — stock can change daily, especially for controlled substances with ordering limits.
• Ask your doctor to send the prescription electronically to that pharmacy, or request a transfer if your prescription is already at a different location.
• Confirm your insurance coverage before you go. Most commercial insurance and Medicaid plans cover Buprenorphine/Naloxone, but prior authorization may be required. If cost is a barrier, explore savings programs and discount cards.
• Set up auto-refills if the pharmacy offers it. This ensures the pharmacy orders your medication in advance each month.

Final Thoughts

Finding Buprenorphine/Naloxone shouldn't be a barrier to treatment. With tools like Medfinder, pharmacy apps, and help from your prescriber's office, you can locate your medication without spending hours on the phone. If you're experiencing ongoing difficulty finding Buprenorphine/Naloxone, check our guide on finding Buprenorphine/Naloxone in stock near you for additional strategies.