Skip the Phone Calls — Check Mestinon Stock Online

If you take Mestinon (Pyridostigmine Bromide), you may have experienced the frustration of calling pharmacy after pharmacy, only to hear "we don't have it" or "it's on backorder." Especially with the ongoing supply issues affecting the extended-release 180 mg formulation, finding Mestinon in stock can feel like a full-time job.

The good news? You don't have to spend your afternoon on the phone. There are several ways to check pharmacy inventory online — and this guide will walk you through the best options.

Why Mestinon Can Be Hard to Find

Before we get into the tools, here's a quick explanation. The immediate-release 60 mg tablets are generally available at most pharmacies. The extended-release 180 mg tablets (Mestinon Timespan) have been experiencing supply shortages, with multiple generic manufacturers reporting backorders.

This means your pharmacy might have the IR version but not the ER version — or vice versa. Knowing which formulation you need before you start searching will save time. Check your prescription or ask your doctor if you're unsure. For more background, read our full article on why Mestinon is hard to find.

How to Check Without Calling

1. Medfinder

Medfinder is built specifically for this purpose. Enter your medication name and ZIP code, and it shows you which pharmacies near you have Mestinon in stock — in real time. No account needed, no phone calls required.

Medfinder checks both chain pharmacies and independent pharmacies, and it distinguishes between formulations so you can search specifically for the IR or ER version. It's the fastest way to find Mestinon near you.

2. Pharmacy Chain Apps and Websites

Some major pharmacy chains let you check stock or transfer prescriptions through their apps:

• CVS — The CVS app and website let you check if a medication is available at a specific location. You can also request prescription transfers between CVS stores.
• Walgreens — Walgreens' app allows you to search for medications and see availability. You can request transfers online.
• Rite Aid — Similar functionality through their app and website.
• Walmart — Walmart's pharmacy site lets you price medications and check availability at your local store.

The downside of pharmacy apps is that you're only seeing inventory for that one chain. If you need to compare across multiple pharmacies, you'll need to check each app separately — or just use Medfinder.

3. GoodRx

GoodRx shows pricing at nearby pharmacies and sometimes indicates availability. While it's primarily a coupon tool, seeing pricing at a specific location is a reasonable indicator that the pharmacy carries the medication. If GoodRx shows a price for Pyridostigmine at a particular CVS, that store likely stocks it — though it doesn't guarantee current inventory.

4. Call Your Doctor's Office

Your prescriber's office may have insight into which local pharmacies have been successfully filling Mestinon prescriptions. Nurses and staff often hear from other patients about availability, making them a useful resource.

If You Prefer to Call

Sometimes a phone call is the fastest option, especially for independent pharmacies that may not have robust online systems. Here are tips to make the process efficient:

• Call early in the morning — Pharmacies are usually less busy right after opening, and staff have more time to check inventory.
• Be specific — Ask for "Pyridostigmine Bromide 60 mg immediate-release tablets" or "Pyridostigmine 180 mg extended-release tablets." Using the generic name helps because the pharmacist can check all available manufacturers.
• Ask about ordering — If a pharmacy doesn't have it today, ask if they can order it. Some pharmacies can get Mestinon within 1–2 business days from their wholesaler.
• Try independent pharmacies — Smaller pharmacies sometimes have better access to medications that are in short supply at chains, because they may use different wholesalers.

Once You Find It

When you locate a pharmacy with Mestinon in stock, act quickly — especially during shortages. Here's what to do:

• Have your prescription sent over — Call your doctor's office or use your patient portal to request that the prescription be sent to the pharmacy that has stock.
• Ask about quantity — Make sure the pharmacy has enough to fill your full prescription. If they have a partial supply, ask if they can fill part now and the rest when more arrives.
• Ask about auto-refills — Setting up automatic refills ensures the pharmacy orders your medication in advance, reducing the chance of a gap in supply.
• Consider 90-day fills — If your insurance allows it, a 90-day supply gives you a buffer against future shortages.

For tips on reducing your cost, check out our guide to saving money on Mestinon.

Final Thoughts

Checking if a pharmacy has Mestinon in stock shouldn't require hours of phone calls. Tools like Medfinder, pharmacy apps, and GoodRx can help you find it fast. And if you're struggling with the extended-release formulation shortage, talk to your doctor about whether the immediate-release version might work for you in the meantime.

You deserve to spend your time managing your health — not hunting for medication.