If You've Been Told "We Don't Have It," You're Not Alone

You hand your prescription to the pharmacist, and they tell you Everolimus isn't in stock. Maybe they say it'll take a few days — or they're not sure when it'll come in. If this has happened to you, you're far from alone. Everolimus is one of those specialty medications that can be surprisingly difficult to track down, even at major chain pharmacies.

This article breaks down exactly why Everolimus is hard to find in 2026, what's behind the supply issues, and — most importantly — what steps you can take right now to get your medication.

What Is Everolimus?

Everolimus is a prescription medication that belongs to a class of drugs called mTOR inhibitors (mechanistic target of rapamycin inhibitors). It works by blocking a protein in your body called mTOR, which plays a key role in cell growth and division.

You may know Everolimus by its brand names:

• Afinitor and Afinitor Disperz — used for certain cancers and tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC)
• Zortress — used to prevent organ rejection after a kidney transplant

Everolimus is FDA-approved to treat several conditions, including:

• Advanced kidney cancer (renal cell carcinoma)
• Certain breast cancers (HR-positive, HER2-negative, in combination with Exemestane)
• Neuroendocrine tumors of the GI tract or lung
• Subependymal giant cell astrocytoma (SEGA) related to TSC
• Kidney transplant rejection prevention

For a deeper dive into how this medication works, check out our guide on how Everolimus works.

Why Is Everolimus So Hard to Find?

There isn't one single reason Everolimus can be tough to locate. It's usually a combination of factors working together. Here are the main ones:

1. It's a Specialty Medication

Everolimus isn't like a common blood pressure pill or antibiotic. It's a specialty drug, which means most regular pharmacies don't keep it on their shelves. Many pharmacies only order it when a specific patient needs it, and some won't carry it at all. You'll often need to use a specialty pharmacy — a pharmacy that focuses on complex, high-cost medications.

2. Supply Chain and Manufacturing Constraints

The raw materials needed to produce Everolimus are complex, and manufacturing requires strict quality controls. Any disruption at the manufacturing level — whether from equipment maintenance, regulatory inspections, or ingredient shortages — can ripple through the supply chain. The FDA has noted periodic supply disruptions for various Everolimus strengths over the years.

3. Insurance and Prior Authorization Delays

Even if a pharmacy has Everolimus in stock, you might face delays because of insurance requirements. Most insurance plans require prior authorization before they'll cover this medication. That means your doctor has to submit paperwork proving you need it, and the insurance company has to approve it. This process can take days or even weeks.

Some plans also require step therapy, meaning you have to try and fail on other medications before they'll approve Everolimus. Learn more about the current Everolimus shortage situation.

4. Limited Generic Options at Certain Strengths

While generic Everolimus has become available for some strengths and formulations, not every dose has abundant generic options. If your prescription is for a less common strength, you may find fewer pharmacies able to fill it. The Afinitor Disperz formulation (tablets for oral suspension) may be particularly hard to source.

What You Can Do Right Now

The good news is that there are practical steps you can take to find Everolimus faster:

Use Medfinder to Check Stock in Real Time

Instead of calling pharmacy after pharmacy, use Medfinder to see which pharmacies near you have Everolimus in stock right now. It saves you time and frustration.

Ask About Specialty Pharmacies

Your oncologist's office or transplant team likely works with specific specialty pharmacies. Ask them which ones they recommend — these pharmacies are experienced with Everolimus and are more likely to have it available or be able to get it quickly.

Talk to Your Doctor About Alternatives

If you're having persistent trouble finding Everolimus, your doctor may be able to adjust your treatment plan. There are alternatives to Everolimus that might work for your condition.

Plan Ahead

Don't wait until you're on your last few tablets to request a refill. Specialty medications often need extra lead time. Aim to start the refill process at least 7 to 10 days before you run out.

Look Into Patient Assistance Programs

If cost is making it hard to fill your prescription, Novartis (the maker of Afinitor and Zortress) offers patient assistance programs that can provide the medication at little or no cost. We cover this in detail in our post on how to save money on Everolimus.

Final Thoughts

Finding Everolimus shouldn't feel like a second job — but for many patients in 2026, it does. The combination of specialty pharmacy requirements, supply chain challenges, insurance hurdles, and limited availability at certain strengths makes this medication harder to access than it should be.

The most important thing you can do is be proactive. Use tools like Medfinder to check availability, work closely with your care team, and don't hesitate to explore financial assistance options. You deserve to get the treatment you need without the runaround.

For more tips, read our full guide on how to find Everolimus in stock near you.