Your Pharmacy Is Out of Acamprosate — Now What?

If you're trying to fill an Acamprosate prescription and keep hearing "we don't have it in stock," you're dealing with a problem that's affecting patients across the country. Acamprosate Calcium (formerly sold as Campral) is in an active drug shortage in 2026, and finding it requires a bit more effort than a normal prescription.

The good news: Acamprosate is still being manufactured and distributed. It's not gone — it's just harder to find. Here are three proven strategies to track it down.

Tip 1: Use Medfinder to Check Pharmacy Stock in Real Time

The fastest way to find Acamprosate near you is to use Medfinder. Instead of calling pharmacy after pharmacy, Medfinder lets you search for your medication and see which pharmacies in your area actually have it in stock.

Here's how it works:

1. Go to medfinder.com
2. Search for "Acamprosate" or "Acamprosate Calcium 333 mg"
3. Enter your zip code
4. See a list of nearby pharmacies with current availability

This saves you the time and frustration of calling around. During a shortage, stock levels change daily, so checking a real-time tool like Medfinder gives you the most up-to-date information.

Tip 2: Call Independent and Specialty Pharmacies

When there's a drug shortage, large chain pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid) tend to run out first because they serve the most patients. Independent pharmacies often have different wholesale relationships and may have access to supply that the chains don't.

Here's what to look for:

• Independent community pharmacies — These locally owned pharmacies sometimes source from smaller distributors that still have stock.
• Specialty pharmacies — Pharmacies that focus on behavioral health or addiction treatment may prioritize stocking Acamprosate.
• Hospital outpatient pharmacies — These pharmacies sometimes have access to medications through hospital-specific supply channels.

When you call, be specific: ask for "Acamprosate Calcium 333 mg delayed-release tablets" and mention the quantity you need (usually 180 tablets for a 30-day supply). This helps the pharmacist check their system quickly.

Tip 3: Try Different Times and Days

Pharmacy stock gets replenished on specific days depending on their delivery schedule. Here are a few timing tips:

• Call early in the week — Many pharmacies receive shipments on Monday or Tuesday. Calling early in the week gives you the best shot at catching fresh stock.
• Call in the morning — Pharmacists are often less busy before the afternoon rush and more likely to help you check inventory or place a special order.
• Ask when their next delivery is — If a pharmacy doesn't have Acamprosate today, ask when they expect their next shipment and whether they can hold some for you.

What If You Still Can't Find Acamprosate?

If you've tried everything above and Acamprosate remains unavailable in your area, here are your next steps:

Ask Your Pharmacist About a Special Order

Most pharmacies can request specific medications from their wholesaler. A special order might take 1-3 business days, but it's often possible to get Acamprosate this way even when it's not on the regular shelf.

Consider Mail-Order Pharmacies

Mail-order pharmacies draw from larger distribution networks and may have access to stock that retail pharmacies in your area don't. Check with your insurance to see if mail-order is covered — it often comes with cost savings too.

Talk to Your Prescriber About Alternatives

If Acamprosate is simply unavailable and you've exhausted your options, your doctor can discuss alternative medications. Naltrexone (available as a daily pill or monthly injection called Vivitrol) and Disulfiram are FDA-approved alternatives for alcohol use disorder. Gabapentin and Topiramate are sometimes used off-label as well.

Don't Just Stop Taking It

Acamprosate doesn't cause physical withdrawal symptoms if you stop suddenly, but stopping treatment abruptly can increase your risk of relapse. Stay in touch with your treatment team and have a plan in place before your current supply runs out.

How to Save Money While You Search

During a shortage, prices can vary widely between pharmacies. With a GoodRx or SingleCare coupon, generic Acamprosate can cost as little as $68 for a 30-day supply — compared to over $300 at retail price. Check out our full guide on how to save money on Acamprosate for more tips.

Final Thoughts

Finding Acamprosate during a shortage takes persistence, but it's doable. Use Medfinder to check real-time availability, branch out to independent pharmacies, and time your calls strategically. And if you hit a dead end, know that you have options — both alternative pharmacies and alternative medications — to keep your recovery on track.

For more details on what's causing the shortage, read our 2026 Acamprosate shortage update.