Why Checking Stock Before You Go Matters

You've tested positive for COVID-19, your doctor has prescribed Paxlovid 150 Mg /100 Mg Dose Pack, and now you need to fill it — fast. Paxlovid must be started within five days of symptom onset, so every hour counts. The last thing you want is to drive to a pharmacy only to find out they don't have it.

While Paxlovid is not currently on the FDA's formal drug shortage list, availability can fluctuate during COVID-19 surges when demand spikes. The 150 Mg /100 Mg Dose Pack — the reduced-dose version for patients with moderate kidney impairment — may be stocked less frequently than the standard dose pack. Checking stock before you go can save you time, stress, and unnecessary exposure to others while you're contagious.

Why Paxlovid Can Sometimes Be Hard to Find

Several factors can make Paxlovid difficult to locate at your nearest pharmacy:

• Seasonal demand spikes — During winter COVID surges, pharmacies may run through their supply quickly.
• Limited shelf life — Pharmacies may not keep large quantities on hand to avoid waste.
• Dose-specific stocking — The 150 Mg /100 Mg Dose Pack (renal dose) is prescribed less often than the standard dose, so some pharmacies may not routinely stock it.
• Distribution delays — Supply chain disruptions can occasionally affect restocking times.

For a deeper look at why this medication can be hard to find, read our article on why Paxlovid 150 Mg /100 Mg Dose Pack is hard to find in 2026.

How to Check Pharmacy Stock Without Calling

Here are the best ways to check if a pharmacy near you has Paxlovid 150 Mg /100 Mg Dose Pack in stock — all without picking up the phone.

1. Use Medfinder

Medfinder is designed specifically to help patients find medications that may be in limited supply. Simply search for Paxlovid 150 Mg /100 Mg Dose Pack, enter your location, and see which pharmacies near you have it available. It's one of the fastest ways to locate your medication without making multiple calls.

2. Check Pharmacy Chain Apps and Websites

Many major pharmacy chains let you check medication availability through their apps or websites:

• CVS — Use the CVS app or cvs.com to check if a prescription can be filled at a specific location. You can also transfer prescriptions between stores if one location is out of stock.
• Walgreens — The Walgreens app lets you manage prescriptions and check availability. You can also use their website to search pharmacy inventory.
• Walmart Pharmacy — Walmart's app and website allow you to check prescription status and transfer between locations.
• Rite Aid — Similar prescription management tools are available through their app.

When using these apps, look for features like "transfer prescription" or "find at another store" — these can quickly tell you which nearby locations have stock.

3. Use GoodRx to Compare Availability

GoodRx is well known for price comparison, but it can also help you find pharmacies that carry a specific medication. Search for Paxlovid on GoodRx, enter your zip code, and review which pharmacies show pricing — if a pharmacy lists a price, it likely stocks the medication or can order it quickly.

4. Check Your Insurance Company's Pharmacy Finder

Many insurance plans offer pharmacy finder tools that show which in-network pharmacies carry specific medications. Log into your insurance portal and search for Paxlovid. This can also help you find the pharmacy with the lowest copay.

5. Use the Pfizer PAXCESS Portal

Pfizer's PAXCESS program (available at paxlovid.com/paxcess) can help eligible patients find pharmacies that participate in their savings program and stock Paxlovid.

If You Prefer to Call

Sometimes a quick phone call is the most direct approach. Here are tips for calling pharmacies efficiently:

• Call the pharmacy directly — Skip the automated menu and ask for the pharmacy department. Ask: "Do you currently have Paxlovid 150 Mg /100 Mg Dose Pack in stock?"
• Be specific about the formulation — Make sure to specify the 150 Mg /100 Mg Dose Pack (renal dose), not the standard 300 Mg /100 Mg dose pack. These are different products.
• Ask about restocking — If they're out, ask when they expect their next shipment. Many pharmacies receive deliveries daily or every other day.
• Try independent pharmacies — Don't overlook local independent pharmacies. They sometimes have better stock of specialty items and can offer more personalized service.
• Call multiple pharmacies at once — If you have someone who can help, have them call other pharmacies simultaneously to speed up the search.

Once You Find Paxlovid in Stock

After you've located a pharmacy that has Paxlovid 150 Mg /100 Mg Dose Pack available:

1. Ask them to hold it — Explain your situation and ask if they can set aside a dose pack for you. Most pharmacies will hold a medication for 24 hours.
2. Transfer your prescription if needed — If your prescription was sent to a pharmacy that's out of stock, ask your doctor to send a new prescription to the pharmacy that has it, or ask the pharmacies to arrange a transfer.
3. Have someone pick it up for you — You're contagious with COVID-19, so consider having a family member or friend pick up your medication. Most pharmacies allow designated pickups with proper identification.
4. Check the cost — Without insurance, Paxlovid costs between $1,400 and $1,800 for a 5-day course. If you need help with costs, explore the savings programs and coupons available.
5. Start treatment immediately — Take your first dose as soon as possible. Read about how to take Paxlovid properly to make sure you're using it correctly.

What If No Pharmacy Near You Has It?

If you've searched and can't find Paxlovid 150 Mg /100 Mg Dose Pack anywhere nearby:

• Expand your search radius — Check pharmacies in neighboring towns or cities.
• Ask your doctor about alternatives — Your doctor may consider alternative treatments such as Remdesivir (Veklury) IV infusion or Molnupiravir (Lagevrio).
• Contact Pfizer's patient support — Pfizer RxPathways (pfizerrxpathways.com) may help locate supply or provide the medication directly to eligible patients.
• Check back daily — Pharmacy inventories change frequently. A pharmacy that's out today may have stock tomorrow.

Final Thoughts

Checking pharmacy stock before you leave the house is one of the smartest things you can do when you need a time-sensitive medication like Paxlovid. Tools like Medfinder, pharmacy apps, and GoodRx can save you valuable time. If you're having trouble finding Paxlovid 150 Mg /100 Mg Dose Pack, don't give up — explore multiple pharmacies, consider having someone help, and talk to your doctor about next steps.