Why Checking Tivicay Stock Can Be Frustrating

Tivicay (Dolutegravir) is a critical HIV medication — but finding it in stock isn't always straightforward. Unlike common medications that every pharmacy carries, Tivicay is a specialty antiretroviral that costs $2,800–$2,925 per month without insurance. Not every pharmacy keeps it on the shelf, and some pharmacies need to special-order it.

If you've ever spent an afternoon calling pharmacy after pharmacy only to hear "we don't carry that" or "it's on backorder," you know how exhausting it can be. The good news? There are ways to check Tivicay availability without picking up the phone.

Use MedFinder to Check Tivicay Availability Online

MedFinder is the fastest way to check if a pharmacy near you has Tivicay in stock. Here's how it works:

1. Go to medfinder.com
2. Search for "Tivicay" or "Dolutegravir"
3. Enter your zip code
4. See which nearby pharmacies have it available

MedFinder checks real-time availability so you don't waste time calling around. It also shows pricing information, which can help you compare costs between pharmacies.

Which Pharmacies Typically Carry Tivicay?

Because Tivicay is a specialty HIV medication, you're most likely to find it at:

• Specialty pharmacies — These focus on complex medications and almost always carry HIV drugs like Tivicay. Many offer home delivery.
• Large chain pharmacies — CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid locations in urban areas often stock Tivicay, especially if they serve a significant HIV patient population.
• Hospital pharmacies — If you receive care at a hospital-based HIV clinic, their pharmacy likely stocks Tivicay.
• Mail-order pharmacies — Many insurance plans offer mail-order options for HIV medications, often at a lower copay than retail pharmacies.
• 340B pharmacies — Clinics participating in the 340B program may have their own pharmacies with discounted HIV medications.

Smaller independent pharmacies may need to order Tivicay specifically for you, which can take 1–3 business days.

What About Checking Pharmacy Apps and Websites?

Some large pharmacy chains let you check medication availability through their apps or websites. However, these tools have limitations:

• CVS — You can check prescription status but not general stock availability for a new medication.
• Walgreens — Similar to CVS, the app focuses on prescriptions already on file.
• Amazon Pharmacy — Shows pricing and availability for many medications, including some HIV drugs.

The challenge is that most pharmacy apps don't show real-time stock for medications you haven't already filled there. That's why a tool like MedFinder is valuable — it's built specifically for this purpose.

Tips for Getting Tivicay Filled Faster

Once you've found a pharmacy with Tivicay in stock, here are ways to make the process smoother:

1. Have Your Doctor Send the Prescription Electronically

E-prescriptions are processed faster than paper prescriptions or phone call-ins. Ask your doctor's office to send it electronically to the pharmacy you've confirmed has Tivicay.

2. Call Ahead to Confirm

Even after checking online, a quick call to confirm the pharmacy has your specific strength (50 mg tablets) can save a wasted trip. The 10 mg and 25 mg tablets were discontinued in January 2024, so only the 50 mg strength is available.

3. Ask About Automatic Refills

Once you've established a pharmacy, enroll in automatic refills so you never run out. Many specialty pharmacies will proactively reach out before your supply runs low.

4. Consider Mail-Order

Mail-order pharmacies deliver Tivicay directly to your door, often with a 90-day supply. This eliminates the need to check stock repeatedly and can save money. Check with your insurance plan for mail-order options.

5. Keep a Backup Pharmacy

Identify a second pharmacy that carries Tivicay in case your primary pharmacy has a temporary stockout. This is especially important if you've experienced supply issues in the past.

What to Do If No Pharmacy Near You Has Tivicay

If you're having trouble finding Tivicay in your area:

• Ask your pharmacy to order it — Most pharmacies can order Tivicay from their wholesaler within 1–3 business days.
• Contact a specialty pharmacy — ViiV Healthcare (Tivicay's manufacturer) can help connect you with specialty pharmacies that carry it.
• Talk to your doctor about alternative medications if you need something immediately while waiting for Tivicay to arrive.
• Check if your doctor's office has samples — Some HIV clinics keep sample supplies of Tivicay for situations like this.

Read more about why Tivicay can be hard to find and the factors that affect availability.

Saving Money When You Fill Your Prescription

Finding Tivicay in stock is only half the battle — affording it matters too. At nearly $3,000 per month without insurance, cost is a real concern. Here are some options:

• ViiVConnect Savings Card — Commercially insured patients may be eligible for a copay card that reduces your cost to $0. Visit myviivcard.com.
• Patient assistance programs — Uninsured or underinsured patients can apply through ViiV Healthcare's patient assistance program.
• ADAP — State AIDS Drug Assistance Programs cover HIV medications for eligible patients.
• Discount cards — GoodRx and SingleCare may reduce the cash price to around $2,259–$2,276.

For a complete guide to savings options, read How to Save Money on Tivicay.

The Bottom Line

You don't need to spend hours on the phone to find out if a pharmacy has Tivicay. Use MedFinder to check availability online, focus on specialty and large chain pharmacies, and set up automatic refills once you've found a reliable source. With a little planning, you can keep your HIV treatment on track without the stress of hunting for your medication.