Stop Calling Around — There's a Better Way to Find Xeloda

If your oncologist just prescribed Xeloda (Capecitabine) and your pharmacy says it's out of stock, you're not alone. Xeloda and generic Capecitabine have experienced supply disruptions in recent years, leaving many patients scrambling to find their medication.

The good news? You don't have to spend hours on the phone calling pharmacy after pharmacy. There are online tools that can show you which pharmacies near you have Xeloda in stock — right now. Here's how to use them.

Why Is Xeloda Hard to Find?

Capecitabine shortages have been reported periodically since 2022. The causes include manufacturing disruptions at generic manufacturers, raw material supply chain issues, and fluctuating demand. Multiple manufacturers — including Teva, Mylan/Viatris, and Accord — have experienced production issues at various times.

Because Xeloda is a specialty oncology medication, many retail pharmacies don't stock it regularly. Even large chain pharmacies may not keep it on their shelves unless they have patients who fill it regularly. This means your usual pharmacy may need to order it, which can take days.

For a deeper look at why Xeloda is hard to find, check our detailed explainer.

How to Check Stock Without Calling

1. Use Medfinder

Medfinder is the fastest way to check if Xeloda or generic Capecitabine is in stock near you. Simply enter your medication name and ZIP code, and Medfinder shows you real-time availability at pharmacies in your area.

This is especially useful for specialty medications like Xeloda that aren't stocked everywhere. Instead of guessing which pharmacy might have it, you get answers in seconds.

2. Check Pharmacy Apps and Websites

Several major pharmacy chains let you check medication availability or request transfers online:

• CVS — Use the CVS app or website to check prescription status and request transfers between locations
• Walgreens — The Walgreens app shows prescription status and allows you to search nearby locations
• Walmart Pharmacy — You can check pricing and availability through their online pharmacy tool
• Costco Pharmacy — Costco often has competitive pricing on specialty generics; check their website or call

Keep in mind that not all pharmacy apps show real-time stock levels for specialty medications. They may show pricing but not whether the drug is physically on the shelf.

3. Use GoodRx to Compare Prices and Check Availability

GoodRx is primarily a coupon and price comparison tool, but it can also give you an idea of which pharmacies in your area carry Capecitabine. If a pharmacy shows a price on GoodRx, it generally means they can fill the medication — though it doesn't guarantee current stock.

GoodRx can also help you save money on Capecitabine with discount coupons.

4. Contact Specialty Pharmacies Directly

Many insurance plans require oral chemotherapy medications like Xeloda to be filled through a specialty pharmacy. These pharmacies are more likely to have Capecitabine in stock or be able to get it quickly. Your oncologist's office can usually tell you which specialty pharmacy your insurance uses.

If You Prefer to Call

If online tools don't give you what you need, here are some tips for calling pharmacies efficiently:

• Call specialty pharmacies first — They're more likely to stock oncology medications
• Have your prescription details ready — Know the exact dose (150 mg or 500 mg tablets), quantity, and whether your doctor prescribed brand Xeloda or generic Capecitabine
• Ask about ordering timelines — If they don't have it, ask how long it would take to order. Some pharmacies can get it within 24–48 hours
• Try independent pharmacies — Smaller, independent pharmacies sometimes have better access to specialty medications through different wholesalers
• Ask your oncologist's office — They fill Xeloda prescriptions regularly and often know which local pharmacies have it

Once You Find It in Stock

When you locate a pharmacy with Xeloda available, take these steps:

Transfer Your Prescription

If your prescription was sent to a pharmacy that doesn't have it, you can usually transfer it. Ask your doctor's office to send a new prescription to the pharmacy that has it in stock, or ask both pharmacies to coordinate a transfer.

Check the Price Before You Fill

Prices for Capecitabine can vary significantly between pharmacies. Brand-name Xeloda can cost $800–$3,500 per cycle, while generic Capecitabine may be $200–$800 — or even less with a discount card. Use tools like GoodRx or SingleCare to compare prices before committing.

For a full breakdown of savings options, read our guide on coupons, discounts, and patient assistance for Xeloda.

Consider Stocking Ahead

If you're on an ongoing Xeloda regimen, talk to your pharmacy about ordering your next cycle's supply in advance. This way you won't face a gap between cycles if there's a temporary shortage.

Ask About Generic Alternatives

If brand-name Xeloda is unavailable, generic Capecitabine is therapeutically equivalent and may be easier to find. Your pharmacist can dispense the generic unless your doctor specifically requires the brand. If Capecitabine itself is unavailable, your oncologist can discuss alternative treatment options.

Final Thoughts

Finding Xeloda shouldn't add stress to an already challenging time. Tools like Medfinder take the guesswork out of the process by showing you real-time pharmacy availability without the phone calls.

If you're newly prescribed Xeloda, you may also want to read about what side effects to expect and how to find the right prescribing doctor. The more you know going in, the smoother your treatment will be.