Your Pharmacy Is Out of Theophylline XR — Now What?

You show up at the pharmacy counter, prescription in hand, and hear the words no patient wants to hear: "We don't have that in stock." If you take Theophylline XR for asthma or COPD, running out isn't just inconvenient — it can mean struggling to breathe.

The good news? Theophylline XR is still being manufactured and sold. The challenge is finding which pharmacy near you has it on the shelf right now. In this guide, we'll walk you through the best tools and strategies to track down your medication quickly.

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

The fastest way to find Theophylline XR near you is to use Medfinder. Instead of spending your afternoon calling pharmacy after pharmacy, Medfinder lets you search for your medication and see which nearby pharmacies currently have it available.

Here's how to use it:

1. Go to medfinder.com
2. Type in "Theophylline XR" or "Theophylline Extended-Release"
3. Enter your zip code
4. Browse results to see pharmacies with current availability

This can save you hours of phone calls and wasted trips to pharmacies that are out of stock.

Tip #2: Check Independent and Specialty Pharmacies

When a drug shortage hits, most people start calling the big chains — CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid. But independent pharmacies often have a significant advantage during shortages:

• Different wholesalers: Independent pharmacies may source from different distributors than the big chains, giving them access to stock that chain pharmacies can't get.
• More flexibility: A local pharmacist can sometimes place special orders or work directly with a manufacturer's representative.
• Personal attention: Independent pharmacists are more likely to call around on your behalf or put you on a waiting list when stock arrives.

Don't overlook compounding pharmacies either. If standard Theophylline XR products are unavailable, a compounding pharmacy may be able to prepare theophylline in a custom extended-release formulation — though this typically requires a specific prescription from your doctor.

Tip #3: Time Your Refills Strategically

Pharmacy stock levels fluctuate throughout the week. Here are some timing strategies that can improve your chances:

• Refill early in the week: Many pharmacies receive their main wholesaler shipments on Monday or Tuesday. Calling or visiting early in the week gives you the best shot at finding freshly restocked inventory.
• Go during off-peak hours: Visit or call your pharmacy in the morning when staff have more time to help you and check stock carefully.
• Don't wait until you're out: Start the refill process when you have 7-10 days of medication left. This gives you a buffer to find another source if your pharmacy is temporarily out.

What If You Still Can't Find Theophylline XR?

If you've tried the steps above and still can't locate your medication, here are additional options:

Ask Your Doctor About a Different Strength

Sometimes a specific strength of Theophylline XR is out of stock while other strengths are readily available. Your doctor may be able to adjust your dose — for example, switching from one 400mg tablet to two 200mg tablets. However, because theophylline has a narrow therapeutic index, any dose or formulation change should be monitored with blood level checks.

Consider Mail-Order Pharmacy

Mail-order pharmacies and online pharmacies sometimes have different supply chains than retail pharmacies. Check with your insurance plan's mail-order option or reputable online pharmacies. Just make sure any online pharmacy you use is properly licensed and VIPPS-accredited.

Explore Therapeutic Alternatives

If Theophylline XR is consistently unavailable, your doctor might recommend switching to a different medication entirely. Options include inhaled long-acting bronchodilators like Tiotropium (Spiriva), combination inhalers, or Montelukast (Singulair). Read more in our guide to Theophylline XR alternatives.

Talk to Your Pharmacist About Back-Orders

Your pharmacist can often see when a backordered medication is expected to be available again. Ask them to place a special order or notify you as soon as their next shipment arrives. Getting on a pharmacy's waiting list means you'll be among the first to know when stock is replenished.

How to Save Money While Searching

Searching across multiple pharmacies can also reveal significant price differences. Generic Theophylline XR typically costs between $10 and $30 per month, but prices vary. Using discount cards from GoodRx or SingleCare can bring costs down to as low as $4 to $15 per month. Check our guide to saving money on Theophylline XR for more details.

Final Thoughts

Finding Theophylline XR in 2026 takes a little more effort than it used to, but it's far from impossible. Start with Medfinder to check stock near you, branch out to independent pharmacies, time your refills strategically, and keep your doctor in the loop about any challenges you're facing.

Your breathing shouldn't depend on luck. With the right tools and a proactive approach, you can stay ahead of the shortage and keep your medication on hand.

Want to understand why this medication is so hard to find? Read our explainer: Why is Theophylline XR so hard to find?