Struggling to find adalimumab (Humira) at your pharmacy? Learn why this biologic medication can be hard to locate and what you can do about it in 2026.
You've been managing your condition with adalimumab — maybe for months, maybe for years. Then one day your pharmacy calls and tells you they don't have it in stock. Or worse, nobody calls, and you show up only to leave empty-handed.
It's frustrating, and it's more common than you might think. Adalimumab is one of the most widely prescribed biologic medications in the United States, and finding it in stock isn't always straightforward. In this article, we'll explain why and give you practical steps to get your medication faster.
Adalimumab is a biologic medication that belongs to a class of drugs called TNF (tumor necrosis factor) inhibitors. It works by blocking a protein called TNF-alpha that causes inflammation in your body. By reducing this inflammation, adalimumab helps treat a range of autoimmune conditions.
You may know adalimumab by its original brand name, Humira, which was made by AbbVie. Since 2023, more than 10 biosimilar versions have entered the U.S. market, including Amjevita, Cyltezo, Hadlima, Hyrimoz, Hulio, Yusimry, Abrilada, Simlandi, Yuflyma, and Idacio.
Adalimumab is FDA-approved to treat:
To learn more about what adalimumab treats and how to take it, read our guide: What Is Adalimumab? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know.
Unlike a common generic pill that every pharmacy stocks by the thousands, adalimumab is a specialty biologic. Several factors make it harder to find at your local pharmacy.
Adalimumab must be kept refrigerated between 36°F and 46°F at all times. Not every pharmacy has the cold-chain storage capacity to keep large quantities of biologics on hand. Many pharmacies only order adalimumab when a specific prescription comes in, rather than stocking it routinely.
With more than 10 biosimilar versions of adalimumab now available, the market is in flux. Insurance companies are constantly changing which version they prefer on their formularies. Your pharmacy may stock one biosimilar, but your insurance may require a different one. This mismatch can create delays while your pharmacy orders the specific version your plan covers.
Most insurance plans require prior authorization before they'll cover adalimumab. Many also require step therapy, meaning you have to try other medications first. Even after approval, your plan may require you to use a specialty pharmacy rather than your regular retail pharmacy. These layers of bureaucracy can slow down the process and make it feel like the drug is "hard to find" when really it's hard to access.
Brand-name Humira costs roughly $7,000 to $11,000 per month at retail price. Even biosimilars range from about $1,300 to $6,500 depending on the version. Because of these high costs, pharmacies are reluctant to keep multiple units in stock — the financial risk of holding unsold inventory is too high. This means your specific formulation may need to be special-ordered.
The good news: adalimumab is not in a national drug shortage. The medication is being manufactured and distributed. The challenge is navigating the system to get it in your hands. Here are steps that can help:
Medfinder lets you search for adalimumab availability at pharmacies near you in real time. Instead of calling pharmacy after pharmacy, you can see which locations have your medication in stock right now.
If your specific brand or biosimilar isn't available, ask your doctor if you can switch to a different interchangeable biosimilar. Several adalimumab biosimilars — including Amjevita, Cyltezo, Hadlima, Hyrimoz, Hulio, and Simlandi — have been designated as interchangeable by the FDA, meaning your pharmacist may be able to substitute without a new prescription in many states.
For a full breakdown of alternative options, see Alternatives to Adalimumab If You Can't Fill Your Prescription.
Specialty pharmacies are set up specifically to handle biologics like adalimumab. They maintain proper cold storage, coordinate with your insurance, and often deliver directly to your home. If you're struggling with retail pharmacy availability, ask your prescriber to send your prescription to a specialty pharmacy.
Because adalimumab may need to be special-ordered, try to refill your prescription at least 7 to 10 days before you run out. This gives your pharmacy time to order it and handle any insurance issues.
For more tips, check out our detailed guide: How to Find Adalimumab in Stock Near You (Tools + Tips).
Finding adalimumab shouldn't be this complicated — but in 2026, the combination of specialty pharmacy requirements, shifting insurance formularies, cold-chain logistics, and a crowded biosimilar market means patients sometimes face real hurdles. The medication itself is available. The challenge is navigating the system.
The most important thing you can do is plan ahead, use tools like Medfinder to track availability, and communicate openly with your doctor and pharmacy team. If cost is also a barrier, we've got you covered: How to Save Money on Adalimumab in 2026.
You deserve uninterrupted access to the medication that keeps your condition under control. Don't give up — help is available.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
Try Medfinder Concierge FreeMedfinder's mission is to ensure every patient gets access to the medications they need. We believe this begins with trustworthy information. Our core values guide everything we do, including the standards that shape the accuracy, transparency, and quality of our content. We’re committed to delivering information that’s evidence-based, regularly updated, and easy to understand. For more details on our editorial process, see here.
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