Having Trouble Finding Yervoy? Here's How to Track It Down

When you're battling cancer, the last thing you want is to spend time tracking down your medication. But if you've been prescribed Yervoy (Ipilimumab), you may have already discovered that finding this immunotherapy drug isn't as simple as walking into a pharmacy. Yervoy is a specialty biologic administered by IV infusion — it's not stocked at your local drugstore.

The good news? There are practical steps you can take right now to locate Yervoy and get your treatment on schedule. Here are three proven strategies.

Tip 1: Use Medfinder to Search for Yervoy Availability

One of the fastest ways to find Yervoy in stock is by using Medfinder. Medfinder is a free tool that helps patients locate medications — including specialty drugs like Yervoy — at infusion centers, hospitals, and specialty pharmacies in their area.

Here's how it works:

1. Visit medfinder.com
2. Search for "Yervoy" or "Ipilimumab"
3. Enter your location to see nearby facilities that may have it in stock
4. Contact the facility to confirm availability and schedule your infusion

This can save you hours of phone calls and help you find options you didn't know existed. For a detailed walkthrough, check out our guide on how to check if a pharmacy has Yervoy in stock.

Tip 2: Call Specialty Pharmacies and Hospital Infusion Centers Directly

Since Yervoy is administered by IV infusion, it's typically stocked by:

• Hospital outpatient infusion centers — Large hospitals with oncology departments usually keep Yervoy in their pharmacy inventory.
• Specialty pharmacies — These pharmacies focus on complex, high-cost medications and work directly with manufacturers and distributors.
• Independent oncology clinics — Some private oncology practices maintain their own drug inventory and may have Yervoy available.

When you call, ask specifically about Ipilimumab (the generic name for Yervoy) in both the 50 mg and 200 mg vial sizes. Some facilities may stock one size but not the other.

Pro tip: If one infusion center doesn't have stock, ask if they can transfer your prescription or recommend a nearby facility that does. Oncology networks often share supply information.

Tip 3: Work With Your Oncologist's Office on Timing

Your oncologist's office plays a central role in ordering and scheduling your Yervoy infusions. Here are a few things to discuss with them:

• Order timing: Ask your care team to place the order for your next dose well in advance — at least one to two weeks before your scheduled infusion date.
• Prior authorization status: Make sure your insurance prior authorization is approved before the drug is ordered. Delays in approval are one of the most common reasons infusions get postponed.
• Backup facilities: Ask if there's a secondary infusion center they work with in case your primary location runs into supply issues.

Being proactive about scheduling can make a big difference. Cancer treatments often run on strict timelines, and catching potential access issues early gives your team time to find solutions.

What If You Still Can't Find Yervoy?

If you've tried the steps above and are still having trouble, here are additional options:

Contact BMS Access Support

Bristol Myers Squibb, the manufacturer of Yervoy, has a dedicated support program at 1-800-861-0048. They can help with:

• Locating a specialty pharmacy or infusion center with stock
• Navigating insurance prior authorization
• Connecting you with financial assistance programs

Ask About Treatment Alternatives

If Yervoy is unavailable or your insurance won't approve it, your oncologist may recommend an alternative immunotherapy. Drugs like Pembrolizumab (Keytruda), Nivolumab (Opdivo), or Tremelimumab (Imjudo) may be options depending on your specific cancer type and treatment history. Learn more in our alternatives to Yervoy guide.

Look Into Patient Assistance Programs

If cost is the barrier, the Bristol Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation (bmspaf.org, 1-800-736-0003) provides free medication to eligible uninsured patients. For commercially insured patients, the BMS Oncology Co-Pay Assistance Program can help reduce out-of-pocket costs. Our guide on saving money on Yervoy has all the details.

Final Thoughts

Finding Yervoy takes more effort than picking up a typical prescription, but it's absolutely doable with the right approach. Start with Medfinder to search for availability, call specialty pharmacies and infusion centers directly, and work closely with your oncologist's office to stay ahead of scheduling and insurance issues.

Your cancer treatment shouldn't be delayed because of logistics. Use every tool at your disposal, and don't hesitate to reach out to BMS Access Support if you need extra help. For more information about Yervoy — including what it does, how it's dosed, and what side effects to watch for — visit our complete Yervoy guide.