Can't find Ulipristal (Ella) at your local pharmacy? Here are the best tools and tips to locate it in stock near you in 2026, including Medfinder.
When you need Ulipristal (Ella), time is critical. This emergency contraceptive works for up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected intercourse, but the sooner you take it, the more effective it is. The problem? Not every pharmacy stocks it.
If you've been told "we don't carry that" or "we'd need to order it," this guide is for you. We'll walk you through the fastest, most reliable ways to find Ulipristal in stock near you in 2026.
Before diving into solutions, it helps to understand the problem. Ulipristal Acetate (brand name Ella) is a prescription-only emergency contraceptive. Unlike Plan B, which sits on pharmacy shelves as an over-the-counter product, Ella is dispensed behind the counter and requires a doctor's prescription.
Because demand is less predictable, many pharmacies — especially chain locations in smaller towns — don't keep Ella in their regular inventory. This doesn't mean the drug is in shortage. It simply means you may need to look a little harder to find it. For background on why this happens, see our article on why Ulipristal is so hard to find.
The fastest way to find Ulipristal in stock is to use Medfinder. Medfinder lets you search for a specific medication and see which pharmacies near you currently have it available. Instead of calling five or six pharmacies, you can get answers in one search.
Here's how to use it:
This is especially useful if you live in an area where availability is inconsistent. Medfinder checks real-time data so you're not wasting time driving to a pharmacy that can't help you.
If chain pharmacies in your area don't stock Ella, consider calling independent pharmacies. Independent pharmacies often have more flexibility with their inventory and can order medications more quickly — sometimes getting them in the same day if ordered early enough.
Independent pharmacies may also be more willing to keep Ella on hand if they know there's demand in the community. Don't hesitate to ask the pharmacist directly: "Do you carry Ella, or can you get it for me today?"
You can find independent pharmacies near you by searching on Medfinder or checking the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) directory.
Pharmacy phone lines can be busy, especially mid-morning and around lunchtime. If you're calling to check stock, try calling early in the morning (right when the pharmacy opens) or later in the evening. You're more likely to get through quickly and speak with a pharmacist who has time to check their system thoroughly.
When you call, ask specifically: "Do you have Ulipristal Acetate 30 mg tablets in stock right now?" Using the generic name can sometimes help, as the pharmacist may stock the generic Logilia rather than brand-name Ella. For more on checking stock, see how to check if a pharmacy has Ulipristal in stock.
If no local pharmacy has Ulipristal in stock, you still have options:
Several telehealth platforms now prescribe Ella and ship it directly to your home, often with overnight or expedited shipping. This can be a lifesaver if you live in a rural area or if local pharmacies can't fill the prescription in time. Some popular telehealth services for emergency contraception include Wisp, PRJKT RUBY, and Nurx. Check out our guide on finding a doctor who can prescribe Ulipristal.
Planned Parenthood locations and other family planning clinics often have Ella in stock on-site. They can prescribe it and dispense it in the same visit, which eliminates the pharmacy search entirely. Many clinics offer sliding-scale pricing based on income.
If you have a little time (ideally 24 to 48 hours remaining in your 5-day window), ask your pharmacy to order Ella for you. Most pharmacies can get it from their wholesaler within one business day. This isn't ideal for last-minute needs, but it works if you still have time.
If you truly cannot find Ulipristal and time is running out, discuss alternatives with your provider. The copper IUD (Paragard) is the most effective form of emergency contraception and can be inserted up to 5 days after intercourse. Plan B (Levonorgestrel) is available over the counter and works best within 72 hours. For a full comparison, read alternatives to Ulipristal.
Ella typically costs between $40 and $90 at retail without insurance. With a discount card from SingleCare, the price can drop to around $39.90. Under the ACA, most insurance plans cover emergency contraceptives like Ella with no out-of-pocket cost when prescribed. If cost is a barrier, see our article on how to save money on Ulipristal.
Finding Ulipristal (Ella) shouldn't be this hard — but in 2026, pharmacy stocking gaps remain a real barrier for many patients. The key is knowing your options ahead of time: use Medfinder to check local availability, consider independent pharmacies and telehealth services, and don't hesitate to explore alternatives if time is running short.
The more prepared you are, the faster you can act when it matters most.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
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