How to Check If a Pharmacy Has Besivance in Stock (Without Calling)

Nothing is more frustrating than leaving your doctor's office with a Besivance prescription, driving to the pharmacy, and finding out they don't have it. Since Besivance (besifloxacin) is a brand-only medication with limited stocking, this scenario happens frequently. Here's how to check pharmacy stock before wasting a trip — including methods that don't require making a single phone call.

Why Besivance Stock Can Be Hard to Predict

Unlike generic medications that are ordered in large quantities, Besivance is stocked conservatively because it's brand-only, costs $230–$350 per bottle, and treats a condition with variable demand. A pharmacy might have three bottles today and zero tomorrow if several prescriptions come in at once.

Method 1: Use medfinder (Calls Pharmacies For You)

The most efficient way to check Besivance stock without calling pharmacies yourself is to use medfinder. You provide your medication, dosage, and zip code. medfinder calls multiple pharmacies near you to check stock and texts you the results — typically within a short time. No hold music, no repeated explanations, no frustration.

Method 2: Call Chain Pharmacy Hotlines

Major pharmacy chains allow pharmacists to check inventory across nearby store locations. If you prefer to call:

CVS: Call any CVS pharmacy and ask them to check Besivance 0.6% ophthalmic suspension inventory at nearby locations.

Walgreens: Call 1-800-WALGREENS or any local branch. Walgreens is a preferred Bausch + Lomb Access Program pharmacy and often has better Besivance stock.

Rite Aid: Call any location and ask them to check nearby stores.

When calling, say exactly: "I have a prescription for Besivance 0.6% ophthalmic suspension — besifloxacin. Do you have it in stock? If not, can you check nearby locations?" This precise description helps the pharmacist find it in their system quickly.

Method 3: Use Pharmacy Apps

The Walgreens and CVS mobile apps allow members to check prescription status and transfer prescriptions. While these apps don't display live medication inventory, they can facilitate prescription transfers to other locations once you've confirmed stock by phone. This eliminates the extra step of requesting a paper transfer.

Method 4: Ask Your Doctor to Call It In to a Confirmed Location

The most proactive approach is to have your prescriber's office verify stock before sending the prescription. When you're seen for bacterial conjunctivitis, ask your doctor: "Can you check if any pharmacies near me have this in stock before sending the prescription?" Many offices can do this quickly, and it saves you from the back-and-forth entirely.

Method 5: Try a Specialty Pharmacy Near an Ophthalmology Practice

Independent pharmacies located near ophthalmology practices or eye care centers typically stock ophthalmic antibiotics more reliably than general-purpose chain pharmacies. If your prescribing provider is an eye doctor, ask which pharmacy they usually recommend — they likely know which one has consistent Besivance supply.

What to Do If No Nearby Pharmacy Has It

If no pharmacy within a reasonable driving distance has Besivance in stock:

Ask if a pharmacy can order it — many can get stock within 1–2 business days.

Use a mail-order pharmacy through your insurance plan. Most PBM mail-order services carry Besivance.

Talk to your doctor about a therapeutic alternative. Generic moxifloxacin ophthalmic ($15–$40) is the closest equivalent and is universally available.

Pro Tips for Faster Pickup

Always call or use medfinder before driving to the pharmacy.

Use the exact medication name: "Besivance 0.6% ophthalmic suspension" or "besifloxacin 6mg/mL eye drops."

Have your prescription sent electronically to your preferred pharmacy in advance.

Note which pharmacy had it in stock for future reference.

The Bottom Line

The easiest way to check Besivance stock without calling is to use medfinder. For those who prefer calling, chain pharmacies can check neighboring locations and facilitate transfers. For context on why this stocking issue exists, read our post on why Besivance is hard to find.