Finding Amitiza Shouldn't Be This Hard

You have a prescription for Amitiza (Lubiprostone), and you need it filled — but your pharmacy says it's out of stock. Now what? Do you call every pharmacy in town? Drive across the city hoping someone has it? There's a better way.

In this guide, we'll share the best tools and strategies to help you find Amitiza in stock near you quickly, so you can get back to feeling better without the runaround.

Why Is Amitiza Sometimes Hard to Find?

Before diving into solutions, it helps to understand the problem. Amitiza can be difficult to find for a few reasons:

• Limited number of generic Lubiprostone manufacturers
• Pharmacies stock based on local demand — low-volume medications may not be kept on shelves
• Distribution variability across different wholesalers and regions
• Insurance complications like prior authorization requirements

For a deeper dive into these issues, check out: Why Is Amitiza So Hard to Find?

Tip #1: Use Medfinder to Check Real-Time Pharmacy Stock

The single best thing you can do is use Medfinder to search for Amitiza availability in your area. Medfinder checks pharmacy stock in real time so you can see exactly which pharmacies near you have Lubiprostone available — whether it's the brand-name Amitiza or the generic.

Here's how it works:

1. Go to medfinder.com
2. Search for "Amitiza" or "Lubiprostone"
3. Enter your zip code
4. See a list of pharmacies with current stock

This saves you the frustration of calling pharmacy after pharmacy only to hear "we don't carry that" or "it's on backorder."

Tip #2: Try Independent and Specialty Pharmacies

If the big chain pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid) are out of stock, don't give up. Independent pharmacies are often your best bet for hard-to-find medications. Here's why:

• Multiple wholesaler relationships: Independent pharmacies often work with several drug distributors, giving them access to inventory that chains might not have.
• More flexibility: They can often special-order medications within 1-2 business days.
• Personal service: Staff at independent pharmacies may go the extra mile to help you track down your medication.

Specialty pharmacies that focus on gastroenterology medications may also be a good option, especially if you're taking Amitiza for a complex condition like opioid-induced constipation.

Tip #3: Time Your Refills Strategically

Pharmacy inventory typically gets restocked early in the week, often on Monday or Tuesday mornings. If you can time your refill requests for these days, you may have better luck finding Amitiza in stock.

Other timing tips:

• Don't wait until you're out: Start looking for a refill when you have about a week's supply left.
• Call ahead: Before driving to a pharmacy, call and ask if they have Lubiprostone 8 mcg or 24 mcg in stock.
• Request automatic refills: Some pharmacies will reserve your medication before they even fill the prescription, reducing the chance of being caught without supply.

What If You Still Can't Find Amitiza?

If you've tried everything above and Amitiza is still unavailable in your area, here are some additional options:

Ask Your Doctor About a 90-Day Supply

If you do find a pharmacy with stock, ask your prescriber for a 90-day prescription. Many insurance plans allow this, especially through mail-order pharmacies. This reduces how often you need to search for stock.

Consider Mail-Order Pharmacies

Mail-order pharmacies often have larger inventories than local retail pharmacies. Check with your insurance plan to see if they offer a mail-order option that covers Lubiprostone.

Talk to Your Doctor About Alternatives

If Amitiza remains unavailable for an extended period, you may want to discuss alternatives to Amitiza with your doctor. Medications like Linzess (Linaclotide), Trulance (Plecanatide), and Motegrity (Prucalopride) work through different mechanisms but treat the same conditions.

Check for the Generic

If your prescription is written for brand-name Amitiza, ask your pharmacist or doctor about switching to generic Lubiprostone. The generic version contains the same active ingredient and is often easier to find and significantly cheaper — around $60 to $150 compared to $400 to $530 for brand-name.

Learn more about pricing: How to Save Money on Amitiza in 2026.

How to Check If a Specific Pharmacy Has Amitiza

If you want to check a specific pharmacy rather than searching broadly, here are your options:

• Medfinder: Search by pharmacy name or location at medfinder.com
• Call the pharmacy directly: Ask specifically for "Lubiprostone 24 mcg capsules" or "Lubiprostone 8 mcg capsules" — using the generic name often gets better results
• Use your pharmacy's app: Some chains like CVS and Walgreens let you check medication availability through their mobile apps

For a step-by-step walkthrough, see: How to Check If a Pharmacy Has Amitiza in Stock.

Final Thoughts

Finding Amitiza in 2026 may take a bit more effort than picking up a common medication, but with the right tools and approach, it's very doable. Start with Medfinder for real-time stock checks, expand your search to independent pharmacies, and plan your refills ahead of time. If all else fails, your doctor can help you explore alternatives that keep your symptoms under control.