Can't Find Tivicay? Here's How to Track It Down

When your pharmacy tells you Tivicay (Dolutegravir) is out of stock, it can feel stressful — especially when you know that consistency matters with HIV treatment. The good news is that Tivicay is still being manufactured and distributed across the U.S. It just takes the right approach to find it.

Here are three proven strategies to help you locate Tivicay in stock near you.

Tip 1: Use Medfinder to Check Real-Time Availability

Medfinder is a free tool that helps you search for medication availability at pharmacies near your location. Instead of calling pharmacy after pharmacy, you can check stock levels online and see which locations have Tivicay on hand.

This is especially helpful for specialty medications like Tivicay that aren't stocked everywhere. Medfinder can save you hours of phone calls and uncertainty.

How to use it:

1. Go to medfinder.com
2. Search for "Tivicay" or "Dolutegravir"
3. Enter your zip code
4. See nearby pharmacies with current availability

Tip 2: Try Independent and Specialty Pharmacies

Big chain pharmacies often prioritize high-volume medications. That means specialty HIV medications like Tivicay sometimes get pushed to the back of the order list. Independent pharmacies and dedicated HIV specialty pharmacies, on the other hand, often maintain more reliable stock of antiretroviral drugs.

If you live near an HIV clinic or infectious disease practice, ask them which pharmacies they recommend. Many clinics have established relationships with specific pharmacies that consistently carry their patients' medications.

Why this works:

• Independent pharmacies can often special-order medications faster than large chains
• Specialty pharmacies that focus on HIV routinely stock Tivicay and other antiretrovirals
• Some pharmacies affiliated with HIV clinics can fill prescriptions the same day

Tip 3: Time Your Refills Strategically

Pharmacies typically receive their shipments early in the week — usually Monday through Wednesday. If you're flexible with your refill timing, try picking up your prescription mid-week rather than on a Friday or over the weekend.

Also, don't wait until your last pill to request a refill. Give your pharmacy at least 5 to 7 days' lead time. This gives them a chance to order Tivicay if they don't have it on the shelf, without you running out.

What If You Still Can't Find Tivicay?

If none of these tips work, you have a few more options:

• Contact your prescriber: Your doctor or HIV specialist may be able to send your prescription to a pharmacy they know has stock, or they can connect you with a specialty pharmacy through your insurance plan.
• Ask about mail-order: Many insurance plans offer mail-order pharmacy services that ship Tivicay directly to your home. This can be more reliable than retail pickup.
• Look into alternatives: If Tivicay is consistently unavailable, your provider can discuss alternative HIV medications that use the same drug class. Options like Dovato (which contains Dolutegravir) or Biktarvy may be easier to find.
• Use the ViiVConnect Savings Card: If cost is part of the issue, ViiV Healthcare offers a savings card at myviivcard.com that can reduce your out-of-pocket cost. Learn more in our guide on how to save money on Tivicay.

Final Thoughts

Finding Tivicay may take a little extra effort in 2026, but it's definitely possible. Start with Medfinder, explore independent and specialty pharmacies, and plan your refills ahead of time. And remember — if you're ever at risk of running out, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Staying on your HIV medication without interruption is the most important thing.

For more background on why Tivicay can be hard to find, read our post on why Tivicay is so hard to find in 2026.