Struggling to find Corlanor (Ivabradine) at your pharmacy? Learn why this heart failure medication can be hard to find and what you can do about it in 2026.
You leave your cardiologist's office with a new prescription for Corlanor, drive to your pharmacy, and hear the words no patient wants to hear: "We don't have that in stock." If this sounds familiar, you're not imagining things — Corlanor (Ivabradine) can genuinely be difficult to find at many pharmacies across the country.
But why? Corlanor is an FDA-approved heart failure medication that has been on the market since 2015. It's not a brand-new drug, and it's not a controlled substance. So what's going on?
In this article, we'll break down exactly why Corlanor is so hard to find, what's behind the supply challenges, and — most importantly — what you can do to get your prescription filled.
Corlanor is the brand name for Ivabradine, a medication that works by slowing down your heart rate. It belongs to a class of drugs called HCN channel blockers — it's actually the only medication in this class approved in the United States.
Corlanor is prescribed to reduce the risk of hospitalization for worsening heart failure in adults with:
It's also approved for pediatric patients aged 6 months and older with heart failure from dilated cardiomyopathy. Corlanor comes as 5 mg and 7.5 mg tablets and as an oral solution.
There are several reasons why you might struggle to find Corlanor at your local pharmacy. Here are the main ones:
Unlike common medications like Metoprolol or Lisinopril that millions of people take, Corlanor serves a very specific group of heart failure patients. Most retail pharmacies stock medications based on demand — if they don't fill Corlanor prescriptions regularly, they simply won't keep it on their shelves.
This is especially true for large chain pharmacies, which use automated inventory systems. If a particular store location doesn't see regular Corlanor prescriptions, the system won't order it.
Because Corlanor is a specialty heart failure drug, it's often distributed through specialty pharmacy channels rather than standard wholesale distributors. This means your neighborhood pharmacy may not even have easy access to order it through their usual suppliers.
Brand-name Corlanor can cost $450 to $600 for a 30-day supply without insurance. That's a significant investment for a pharmacy to keep on the shelf, especially if they're not sure it will sell. Many pharmacies are reluctant to stock expensive medications that might sit on the shelf past their expiration date.
The good news is that generic Ivabradine has been available since 2019, which has improved availability somewhat. Generic versions typically cost $80 to $250 for a 30-day supply, making pharmacies more willing to stock them.
Most insurance plans require prior authorization before they'll cover Corlanor or generic Ivabradine. Many also require step therapy, meaning you have to try other medications (like beta-blockers) first. These requirements can create delays — and during those delays, the pharmacy may not hold the medication in stock for you.
The good news is that Corlanor isn't impossible to find — you just need to know where to look and what to ask for. Here are some practical steps:
If your pharmacy can't find brand-name Corlanor, ask if they can order generic Ivabradine instead. It contains the same active ingredient and works the same way, often at a significantly lower cost. Your doctor can write the prescription to allow for generic substitution.
Instead of calling pharmacy after pharmacy, use Medfinder to search for pharmacies that have Corlanor or Ivabradine in stock near you. It saves time and frustration by showing you real-time availability information.
Independent pharmacies and specialty pharmacies that focus on cardiac medications are often more willing and able to order Corlanor for you. They may have better relationships with specialty distributors and can often get the medication within 1-2 business days.
Even if your pharmacy doesn't have Corlanor on the shelf right now, most can special-order it. Ask the pharmacist to place an order — it typically arrives within 1-3 business days. Just make sure you have enough of your current medication to last until it arrives.
Your cardiologist's office may know which local pharmacies regularly stock Corlanor. They deal with this issue regularly and often have a list of go-to pharmacies for specialty heart failure medications.
Many insurance plans offer mail-order pharmacy options that can deliver Corlanor directly to your door. This can be especially helpful for a medication you take long-term. Mail-order pharmacies typically have better access to specialty medications and may offer cost savings as well.
If you're running low on Corlanor and can't find it, don't panic — but do act quickly:
Corlanor is a vital medication for many heart failure patients, and it's frustrating when you can't find it at your pharmacy. The main reasons it's hard to find come down to its specialty status, small patient population, high cost, and insurance hurdles — not an actual drug shortage in most cases.
The best strategies are to ask for generic Ivabradine, use Medfinder to locate pharmacies with stock, try specialty or independent pharmacies, and work closely with your cardiologist's office. With a little persistence, you can get the medication you need.
For more information about Corlanor, check out our guides on what Corlanor is and how it works, side effects to watch for, and ways to save money on your prescription.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
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