Finding Sutab Shouldn't Be Harder Than the Colonoscopy Itself

Preparing for a colonoscopy is stressful enough without having to hunt for your bowel prep medication. If your doctor prescribed Sutab — the only tablet-form colonoscopy prep — and you're struggling to find it at your local pharmacy, this guide is for you.

Sutab has become incredibly popular because patients prefer swallowing tablets over drinking large volumes of liquid prep. But that popularity, combined with the fact that there's only one manufacturer (Braintree Laboratories), means pharmacies don't always have it in stock.

Here are three proven strategies to help you find Sutab near you.

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

The most efficient way to find Sutab is to use Medfinder, a free online tool that checks pharmacy inventory in real time.

Here's how it works:

1. Go to Medfinder.com
2. Enter "Sutab" as your medication
3. Enter your zip code
4. View a list of nearby pharmacies that currently have Sutab in stock

Medfinder saves you the time and frustration of calling pharmacy after pharmacy. It searches across chains and independent pharmacies so you can see all your options in one place.

Tip 2: Try Independent Pharmacies

When the big chain pharmacies are out of stock, independent pharmacies can be a lifesaver. Here's why:

• Flexible ordering: Independent pharmacies can often place special orders directly from distributors with faster turnaround than chain pharmacies, which may be limited by centralized ordering systems.
• Personalized service: Staff at independent pharmacies are more likely to go the extra mile to help you find your medication. They may call their distributor while you wait to check on availability.
• Different supply chains: Independent pharmacies may use different wholesale distributors than the big chains, which means they may have access to Sutab when CVS, Walgreens, or Walmart do not.

Search for independent pharmacies near you on Medfinder or simply search online for "independent pharmacy near me."

Tip 3: Time Your Prescription Right

Timing can make a real difference when it comes to finding Sutab in stock.

• Fill early: If your colonoscopy is scheduled weeks out, ask your doctor to send the Sutab prescription to the pharmacy as soon as possible. This gives the pharmacy time to order it if they need to, and gives you time to find alternatives if they can't get it.
• Avoid peak times: Pharmacies tend to be busiest on Mondays and during the first week of the month. Try filling your prescription mid-week or mid-month when pharmacy staff have more time to assist you and shelves may be better stocked.
• Call ahead: Before driving to the pharmacy, call to confirm they have Sutab in stock. A 2-minute phone call can save you a wasted trip.

What If You Still Can't Find Sutab?

If you've tried multiple pharmacies and Sutab is truly unavailable in your area, here are your next steps:

Talk to Your Doctor About Alternatives

Several other bowel prep medications are available and may be easier to find. Options include:

• Suprep Bowel Prep Kit — A liquid sulfate-based prep with a similar mechanism to Sutab
• GoLYTELY or NuLYTELY — Traditional PEG-based liquid preps that are widely available and usually covered by insurance
• Clenpiq — A low-volume, ready-to-drink liquid prep
• Suflave — A newer low-volume liquid option from the same manufacturer as Sutab

For a detailed comparison of these options, read our guide on Alternatives to Sutab.

Ask Your Doctor's Office for Suggestions

Gastroenterology offices prescribe bowel preps daily and usually know which pharmacies in the area carry Sutab. Some offices may also have sample packs available.

Check If Your Pharmacy Can Order It

Even if Sutab isn't on the shelf, your pharmacist may be able to order it from their distributor. Ask how long it would take — if your colonoscopy is more than a few days away, this can be a reliable option.

How Much Does Sutab Cost?

Since many patients pay out of pocket for Sutab, cost is an important factor. The average retail price is around $243 for 24 tablets (one complete colonoscopy prep). With a discount coupon from services like SingleCare, you may pay as little as $167.

For detailed savings strategies, see our guide on How to Save Money on Sutab in 2026.

Final Thoughts

Finding Sutab can require a bit more effort than picking up a typical prescription, but it's absolutely doable with the right approach. Start by checking Medfinder for real-time stock information, reach out to independent pharmacies, and plan ahead whenever possible.

If Sutab simply isn't available in time for your colonoscopy, your doctor can switch you to an alternative prep that will work just as well. The most important thing is getting your colonoscopy done — the prep is just one step in a potentially life-saving screening.

For more background on why Sutab can be difficult to find, read Why Is Sutab So Hard to Find?