Your Pharmacy Is Out of Eliquis — Now What?

If you've been told your pharmacy doesn't have Eliquis (Apixaban) in stock, you already know the sinking feeling. This is a medication you take every day to prevent strokes and blood clots. Skipping doses isn't an option — Eliquis has a boxed warning about the increased risk of stroke if you stop taking it suddenly.

The good news is that Eliquis is still being manufactured and distributed. It's not in a formal shortage. But with millions of prescriptions filled every month, some pharmacies run out between deliveries. Here are three practical strategies to help you find Eliquis in stock near you.

Tip 1: Use Medfinder to Search Pharmacy Availability

The fastest way to find Eliquis is to use Medfinder. Instead of calling pharmacy after pharmacy, Medfinder lets you search for pharmacies near your ZIP code that have Eliquis available. It saves you time and gets you to a pharmacy that actually has what you need.

Here's how to use it:

1. Go to medfinder.com
2. Search for "Eliquis" or "Apixaban"
3. Enter your location
4. See which pharmacies near you have it in stock

This is especially helpful if you live in a busy metro area where chain pharmacies tend to run out faster.

Tip 2: Try Independent and Specialty Pharmacies

Big chain pharmacies — CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid — fill the most prescriptions, which means they're most likely to run out of high-demand medications like Eliquis. Independent pharmacies often have more control over their inventory and may carry stock that the chains don't.

Here are a few things to try:

• Search for independent pharmacies in your area. Many communities have locally owned pharmacies that provide personalized service and may have Eliquis on hand.
• Call specialty pharmacies that focus on cardiovascular or hematology medications. They're more likely to stock Eliquis consistently.
• Ask about mail-order pharmacy options. Some insurance plans offer 90-day supplies through mail order, which can be more reliable than retail pharmacy pickup.

For more on how to check if a pharmacy has Eliquis in stock, see our detailed guide.

Tip 3: Time Your Refills Strategically

Pharmacies receive shipments from wholesalers on a regular schedule — usually several times per week. If you know when your pharmacy restocks, you can time your refill to arrive right after a delivery. Here's how to make this work:

• Refill a few days early. Most insurance plans allow you to refill a maintenance medication 3-7 days before you run out. Don't wait until the last pill.
• Ask your pharmacist when they receive deliveries. If they restock on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, submit your refill on Monday or Wednesday evening.
• Set up automatic refills. Many pharmacies offer auto-refill programs that ensure your prescription is ready before you need it.
• Avoid the first week of January. Insurance plan changes and formulary updates create a rush at the start of each year. If possible, plan ahead so you have extra supply going into January.

What If You Still Can't Find Eliquis?

If you've tried the tips above and still can't locate Eliquis, here are your next steps:

Ask Your Pharmacist to Order It

Even if a pharmacy is out of stock today, they can usually order Eliquis from their wholesaler and have it available in 1-2 business days. This is often the simplest solution — just ask.

Contact Your Doctor

If you're going to miss doses, call your prescriber. They may be able to:

• Call in the prescription to a pharmacy that has it
• Provide samples to bridge the gap
• Temporarily switch you to an alternative anticoagulant like Xarelto, Pradaxa, or Warfarin

Look Into the Eliquis Direct-to-Patient Program

Bristol-Myers Squibb and Pfizer launched a direct-to-patient option through the Eliquis 360 Support Program that offers Eliquis at more than 40% off the list price for cash-paying patients. This bypasses the retail pharmacy entirely. Call 855-354-7847 for details.

Check Savings Programs

Sometimes the issue isn't availability — it's cost. If your pharmacy has Eliquis but the price is too high, check out our guide on how to save money on Eliquis in 2026.

Final Thoughts

Finding Eliquis shouldn't be a stressful experience, but when you depend on a medication to prevent strokes and blood clots, an empty pharmacy shelf is a real problem. Use tools like Medfinder, explore independent pharmacies, and plan your refills ahead of time.

Most importantly, never skip doses or stop taking Eliquis without talking to your doctor. If you're having ongoing trouble, your healthcare team can help you find a solution — whether that's locating the drug, switching to an alternative, or accessing a patient assistance program.

For more background on why this is happening, read Why Is Eliquis So Hard to Find? Explained for 2026.