Finding Insulin Degludec in Stock: A Practical Guide

When your pharmacy tells you Insulin Degludec (Tresiba) is out of stock, it can feel like a crisis — especially if you're running low on your current supply. The good news is that Insulin Degludec is still being manufactured and distributed. It's just not always available at every pharmacy at every moment. This guide will show you exactly how to track it down.

If you're wondering why this medication is in short supply, read our explainer: Why Is Insulin Degludec So Hard to Find?

Step 1: Use MedFinder to Check Real-Time Availability

The fastest way to find Insulin Degludec near you is to use MedFinder. Here's how:

1. Go to medfinder.com
2. Search for "Insulin Degludec" or "Tresiba"
3. Enter your zip code
4. Browse pharmacies that currently have it in stock

MedFinder checks availability across multiple pharmacy chains and independent pharmacies, saving you the trouble of making dozens of phone calls.

Step 2: Call Pharmacies Directly

If you prefer a more direct approach, call pharmacies in your area and ask specifically about Insulin Degludec. Here are some tips to make the process more efficient:

• Ask for both concentrations: Request Tresiba U-100 and Tresiba U-200. One may be available even if the other isn't.
• Try independent pharmacies: Chain pharmacies all order from the same distributors, but independent pharmacies sometimes use different suppliers and may have stock when chains don't.
• Ask about expected restock dates: Pharmacists can often see when their next shipment is expected.
• Call early in the week: Many pharmacies receive deliveries Monday through Wednesday, so calling early in the week increases your chances.

Step 3: Expand Your Search Radius

If pharmacies in your immediate area are all out of stock, consider expanding your search. Pharmacies just 15-20 miles away may have completely different stock levels. This is especially true if you live near a state border or metro area boundary — demand patterns can vary significantly between regions.

Step 4: Try Mail-Order and Specialty Pharmacies

Mail-order pharmacies often have better supply chains for medications experiencing retail shortages. Check with:

• Your insurance plan's preferred mail-order pharmacy (often Express Scripts, CVS Caremark, or OptumRx)
• Amazon Pharmacy — sometimes has insulin in stock when retail doesn't
• Specialty pharmacies — some specialize in diabetes medications and maintain dedicated stock

Mail-order typically allows 90-day supplies, which also means fewer refills and less exposure to shortage issues.

Step 5: Contact NovoCare

Novo Nordisk's patient support line, NovoCare, can sometimes help locate pharmacies with Insulin Degludec in stock. Call 1-888-668-6444 or visit NovoCare.com. They may also be able to provide emergency supply options if you're at risk of running out.

Step 6: Ask Your Doctor for Help

Your prescriber's office may have connections to specialty pharmacies or be able to provide samples of Insulin Degludec to bridge you until your pharmacy restocks. Don't hesitate to call your endocrinologist or primary care doctor and explain the situation.

If a temporary switch is necessary, your doctor can help you transition to an alternative basal insulin. See our guide: Alternatives to Insulin Degludec If You Can't Fill Your Prescription.

Step 7: Plan Ahead

During periods of intermittent supply, proactive planning is essential:

• Refill early: Don't wait until you're on your last pen. Most insurance plans allow refills when you're 75-80% through your current supply.
• Keep a buffer: If possible, try to maintain at least a one-week emergency supply.
• Set up automatic refills: Many pharmacies offer auto-refill programs that trigger reorders before you run out.
• Monitor shortage updates: Follow our Insulin Degludec Shortage Update for the latest information.

What If You Absolutely Cannot Find Insulin Degludec?

If you've exhausted all options and cannot find Insulin Degludec anywhere, do not skip your basal insulin. Contact your doctor immediately. There are effective alternatives — including Insulin Glargine (Lantus, Basaglar, Toujeo) and Insulin Detemir (Levemir) — that can keep your blood sugar controlled while Tresiba is unavailable.

Never go without basal insulin. Missing doses can lead to dangerous blood sugar spikes and, in people with type 1 diabetes, diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which is a medical emergency.

How to Save Money While Searching

The shortage can sometimes push patients toward pharmacies that charge higher prices. Before filling at a new pharmacy, compare prices and explore discount options. Our guide on How to Save Money on Insulin Degludec covers coupons, savings cards, and patient assistance programs.

Key Takeaways

• Use MedFinder to quickly find pharmacies with Insulin Degludec in stock.
• Call pharmacies directly, including independents, and ask about both U-100 and U-200.
• Try mail-order pharmacies for more reliable supply.
• Contact NovoCare (1-888-668-6444) for additional help.
• Plan ahead — refill early and maintain a buffer supply.
• Never skip basal insulin. If you can't find Tresiba, contact your doctor for an alternative.