You Shouldn't Have to Call 10 Pharmacies to Fill Your Prescription

If you've been prescribed Emgality (Galcanezumab) for migraine prevention, you may have already discovered that finding it in stock isn't always straightforward. Emgality has experienced intermittent supply issues since late 2022, and many patients have reported being told by their pharmacy that it's on backorder or unavailable.

The traditional approach — calling pharmacy after pharmacy — is time-consuming and frustrating, especially when you're dealing with migraines. Fortunately, there are ways to check stock without picking up the phone.

Why Is Emgality Hard to Find?

Emgality is a specialty biologic medication that requires refrigeration and has a limited shelf life. Not every pharmacy stocks it, and those that do may not always have it available due to increased demand and supply constraints from manufacturer Eli Lilly. The ASHP (American Society of Health-System Pharmacists) has listed Galcanezumab on its drug shortage list.

Specialty pharmacies are more likely to carry Emgality than standard retail pharmacies, but even they can run into stock issues from time to time.

How to Check Stock Without Calling

1. Use Medfinder

Medfinder is designed specifically for situations like this. It helps you find pharmacies near you that currently have your medication in stock — including specialty medications like Emgality. Instead of calling around, you can search once and see which locations have it available.

This is especially useful because Emgality's availability can vary significantly from one pharmacy to the next, even within the same city.

2. Check Your Specialty Pharmacy's App or Portal

If your insurance routes Emgality through a specific specialty pharmacy (like CVS Specialty, Accredo, or OptumRx), most of these have online portals or apps where you can:

• Check the status of your prescription
• See if the medication has shipped or is being prepared
• Track delivery
• Contact the pharmacy through chat

Since many patients receive Emgality through mail-order specialty pharmacy, your portal may show estimated delivery dates and any delays.

3. Use Pharmacy Chain Apps

If you fill Emgality at a retail pharmacy, most major chains have apps that show prescription status:

• CVS app — Shows if a prescription is ready, in progress, or delayed
• Walgreens app — Allows you to check refill status and medication availability
• Rite Aid app — Similar prescription tracking features

While these apps don't always show real-time stock levels for every medication, they will alert you if there's a problem filling your specific prescription.

4. Check GoodRx

GoodRx shows which pharmacies in your area carry a specific medication and compares prices. While it's primarily a coupon tool, it can give you a general sense of which pharmacies stock Emgality. Keep in mind that GoodRx pricing for Emgality starts around $714, and the prices shown reflect cash-pay rates without insurance.

If You Prefer to Call

Sometimes a quick call is still the most direct approach. Here are tips to make it efficient:

• Call the pharmacy, not the main store number — Ask to speak directly with the pharmacist
• Ask specifically: "Do you currently have Galcanezumab 120 mg prefilled pens in stock?" Using the generic name can sometimes help if they search inventory differently
• Ask about restock timing — If they're out, ask when they expect their next shipment
• Try specialty pharmacies first — They're more likely to carry biologic medications like Emgality
• Call early in the week — Pharmacy deliveries often arrive Monday through Wednesday

Once You Find It in Stock

When you locate a pharmacy with Emgality available, act quickly — stock can change fast during shortage periods. Here's what to do:

1. Transfer your prescription if needed — Your current pharmacy can transfer to the one with stock
2. Confirm your insurance will work there — Check that the pharmacy is in-network
3. Ask about their supply — If you're on monthly refills, ask if they expect to have consistent stock going forward
4. Look into savings options — The Emgality Savings Card from Eli Lilly can reduce your copay to as little as $0 for the first month and $35/month after that for eligible commercially insured patients

If you consistently have trouble finding Emgality, talk to your doctor about whether a different CGRP medication like Aimovig, Ajovy, or Vyepti might be easier to access.

Final Thoughts

Checking Emgality stock shouldn't require a dozen phone calls. Tools like Medfinder, specialty pharmacy portals, and pharmacy chain apps can save you time and frustration. Start with Medfinder for the most direct answer, then check your specialty pharmacy's app for shipment updates.

If you're facing ongoing availability issues, don't wait until you're out of medication to start looking. Check stock a week before your next dose is due so you have time to explore options if your usual pharmacy is out.