How to Check Ibsrela Availability Without Calling Every Pharmacy

You've got your Ibsrela (Tenapanor) prescription in hand, and now you need to fill it. But here's the problem — not every pharmacy carries Ibsrela. It's a specialty brand-name medication made by a single manufacturer, Ardelyx, and many pharmacies simply don't stock it regularly.

Calling pharmacy after pharmacy to check availability is frustrating and time-consuming. The good news is there are faster ways to check stock — many of which you can do from your phone or computer without picking up the phone at all.

Why Is Ibsrela Hard to Find at Some Pharmacies?

A few factors make Ibsrela trickier to find than everyday medications:

• Brand-only medication — There is no generic version of Ibsrela available (the earliest generic is estimated for August 2033), so pharmacies can't substitute a cheaper alternative.
• Single manufacturer — Only Ardelyx makes Ibsrela, which means if there's any supply issue, there's no backup supplier.
• Low demand at individual locations — IBS-C medications are prescribed less frequently than, say, blood pressure drugs. Many pharmacies don't keep Ibsrela on the shelf because they don't fill enough prescriptions for it.
• High cost — At $2,000 to $2,500 per month without insurance, some smaller pharmacies are reluctant to stock expensive medications that might sit on the shelf.

For more background, check out our article on why Ibsrela is so hard to find.

How to Check Stock Without Calling

1. Use Medfinder

Medfinder is designed specifically for situations like this. It helps you find pharmacies that have your medication in stock near your location. Instead of calling 10 pharmacies, you can search once and see which locations have Ibsrela available.

This is especially useful for specialty and brand-name medications that aren't universally stocked.

2. Check Pharmacy Apps and Websites

Many major pharmacy chains have apps or websites where you can check medication availability or transfer prescriptions:

• CVS — The CVS app lets you manage prescriptions and check if a medication can be filled at a specific location.
• Walgreens — Walgreens' app and website allow prescription management and can indicate if a medication is available.
• Rite Aid — Similar online prescription tools are available.
• Costco Pharmacy — You don't need a Costco membership to use their pharmacy. Check their website for pricing and availability.

Keep in mind that these tools don't always show real-time stock for every medication, especially specialty drugs. But they can help you narrow down which locations are most likely to have Ibsrela.

3. Use GoodRx to Check Prices and Locations

While GoodRx is primarily a coupon and price comparison tool, it also shows you which pharmacies in your area carry a specific medication and at what price. Searching for Ibsrela on GoodRx can give you a quick list of pharmacies near you that have filled prescriptions for it recently.

4. Try Specialty Pharmacies

If your local chain pharmacies don't have Ibsrela, consider specialty pharmacies. These pharmacies focus on hard-to-find, high-cost, or specialty medications and are more likely to keep Ibsrela in stock or be able to order it quickly. Your doctor's office may be able to recommend a specialty pharmacy that works with your insurance.

5. Ask Your Doctor's Office

Your prescribing doctor's office often knows which pharmacies in the area reliably stock the medications they prescribe. A quick call to your doctor's office (rather than calling pharmacies) can save you a lot of time.

If You Prefer to Call

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

• Call during off-peak hours — Pharmacies are typically less busy in the morning (right when they open) or mid-afternoon. Avoid lunch hours and the after-work rush.
• Be specific — Ask for "Ibsrela, tenapanor 50 mg tablets" to avoid confusion.
• Ask about ordering — If a pharmacy doesn't have it in stock, ask if they can order it and how long it would take. Many pharmacies can get it within 1-2 business days.
• Check multiple locations — If one CVS doesn't have it, another location a few miles away might. Stock varies by location even within the same chain.

Once You Find It

After you've located a pharmacy with Ibsrela in stock:

• Transfer your prescription if needed — Most pharmacies can transfer prescriptions from another location. You can usually do this through the pharmacy app or by calling.
• Apply savings — Make sure your Ibsrela Commercial Copay Program discount is applied. Eligible patients with commercial insurance can pay as little as $0 per fill.
• Set up auto-refills — Once you've found a pharmacy that stocks Ibsrela, set up automatic refills so you don't have to go through this process every month.
• Ask about mail order — Some insurance plans offer mail-order pharmacy options that can deliver Ibsrela directly to your door, often at a lower copay than retail pharmacies.

Final Thoughts

Finding Ibsrela in stock can take a little extra effort compared to more common medications, but it doesn't have to be a headache. Start with Medfinder to quickly see which pharmacies near you have it available, check pharmacy apps for additional options, and don't hesitate to explore specialty pharmacies if your local stores come up empty.

Once you find a reliable source, set up auto-refills and save yourself the hassle next month. Your IBS-C management plan works best when you can fill your prescription consistently and on time.