Finding Novarel Shouldn't Be This Hard — But Here's How to Do It

If you've been searching for Novarel and hitting dead ends, you know the frustration. You need this medication for your fertility treatment, and time is not on your side. Every day without your hCG trigger shot can mean a delayed cycle — and for many patients, that's emotionally and financially devastating.

The good news? Novarel is still being manufactured and distributed. The challenge is knowing where to look. In this guide, we'll share three practical strategies to help you find Novarel in stock, plus what to do if you still come up empty.

Why Is Novarel Hard to Find?

Before we get into solutions, a quick recap on why Novarel availability has been so spotty. Since 2020, the FDA's reclassification of hCG as a biologic product has dramatically reduced the number of pharmacies that can supply it. Combined with limited manufacturers and growing demand for fertility treatments, supply has been tight. For a deeper dive, read our full explanation of why Novarel is so hard to find in 2026.

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

Stop calling pharmacies one by one. Medfinder lets you search for Novarel availability at pharmacies near you in real time. Here's how it works:

1. Go to medfinder.com
2. Enter "Novarel" in the search bar
3. Enter your zip code or allow location access
4. See which pharmacies near you currently have Novarel in stock

This saves you hours of phone calls and the heartbreak of driving to a pharmacy only to find they're out of stock. Medfinder pulls from real inventory data, so you get accurate, up-to-date results.

Tip #2: Try Independent and Specialty Pharmacies

When a medication is in short supply, the big chain pharmacies — CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid — tend to run out first. That's because they serve the largest patient populations and their ordering systems prioritize higher-volume medications.

Independent pharmacies often have more flexibility in their ordering and may be able to source Novarel when chains cannot. Even better, specialty fertility pharmacies focus specifically on medications like Novarel, Pregnyl, and Ovidrel. They often maintain dedicated supply relationships with distributors.

Here's how to find one:

• Ask your fertility clinic — most clinics have a list of preferred specialty pharmacies they work with.
• Search Medfinder — the tool shows independent and specialty pharmacies too, not just chains.
• Check with compounding pharmacies — some 503B compounding facilities received FDA waivers and may still carry hCG products.

Tip #3: Time Your Search Strategically

Pharmacy inventory restocks on a regular schedule — usually early in the week. Calling or checking on Monday or Tuesday mornings gives you the best chance of catching new inventory before other patients claim it.

Additionally, if your fertility clinic schedules your trigger shot in advance, contact your pharmacy at least one week ahead. Many specialty pharmacies can reserve or special-order Novarel for you if they have enough lead time.

Other timing tips:

• Avoid end-of-month — pharmacies may be running low on their monthly allocation.
• Call early in the day — pharmacy staff have more time to help you and check with distributors.
• Be flexible on strength — if 10,000 USP Units isn't available, your doctor may be able to adjust the prescription to use two 5,000 USP Unit vials instead.

What If You Still Can't Find Novarel?

If you've tried everything above and Novarel is still unavailable, don't panic. You have options:

Ask About Alternative hCG Products

Novarel isn't the only hCG medication available. Talk to your doctor about switching to:

• Pregnyl — another brand of urinary-derived hCG with the same active ingredient
• Ovidrel — a recombinant hCG that comes in a convenient pre-filled syringe for subcutaneous injection
• Generic hCG — available from manufacturers like Fresenius Kabi

For a complete comparison, see our guide on alternatives to Novarel.

Contact Ferring Pharmaceuticals Directly

Ferring, the manufacturer of Novarel, may be able to provide information about which distributors currently have stock. They also offer patient support programs through their patient assistance programs.

Talk to Your Fertility Clinic

Your fertility clinic deals with medication availability issues regularly. Their nurses and coordinators often know exactly which pharmacies have stock and can help you navigate the process. Some clinics even keep a small in-house supply for urgent situations.

How to Check If a Specific Pharmacy Has Novarel

If you want to check a specific pharmacy, here are your options:

• Use Medfinder's pharmacy checker for real-time stock data
• Call the pharmacy directly — ask for the pharmacy counter, not the front desk
• Use the pharmacy's app — some chains let you check prescription availability online

Final Thoughts

Finding Novarel in 2026 takes a bit more effort than picking up a typical prescription, but it's absolutely doable. The key is using the right tools, reaching out to the right pharmacies, and planning ahead when possible.

Here's your action plan:

1. Search Medfinder for real-time Novarel availability
2. Contact independent and specialty fertility pharmacies
3. Time your search early in the week and well before your treatment date
4. Ask your doctor about alternatives if Novarel remains unavailable

You deserve to focus on your treatment — not on hunting for medication. Let the tools do the work for you.