Struggling to find Paxlovid? Learn why this COVID-19 antiviral is hard to find in 2026, what's causing supply issues, and how to locate it near you.
You tested positive for COVID-19, your doctor called in a prescription for Paxlovid, and now you're hearing the same thing at pharmacy after pharmacy: "Sorry, we don't have it in stock."
It's frustrating — especially when you know the clock is ticking. Paxlovid works best when started within 5 days of your first symptoms, so every hour counts. If you're struggling to find Paxlovid 5-Day in 2026, here's what's going on and what you can do about it.
Paxlovid is the brand name for Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir, an oral antiviral medication made by Pfizer. It was granted full FDA approval for treating mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in adults who are at high risk for progressing to severe illness, hospitalization, or death.
The treatment is a 5-day course of pills taken twice a day. Each dose includes two Nirmatrelvir tablets (150 mg each) and one Ritonavir tablet (100 mg). Nirmatrelvir blocks an enzyme the virus needs to replicate, while Ritonavir keeps Nirmatrelvir active in your body longer.
It's one of the most effective tools we have against COVID-19 — which makes it all the more frustrating when you can't find it.
There isn't one single reason. Several factors are working together to make Paxlovid harder to track down than you'd expect.
Paxlovid has a high wholesale cost — roughly $1,400 to $1,600 per course — and a limited shelf life. Many smaller pharmacies simply can't afford to keep it on their shelves if they're not sure they'll dispense it before it expires. This means your neighborhood pharmacy may not carry it at all, even though it's technically available.
Large chain pharmacies like CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart are more likely to stock Paxlovid, but even they may not have it at every location, especially in rural areas.
COVID-19 hasn't gone away. Seasonal surges — particularly during fall and winter — can cause sudden spikes in demand for Paxlovid. When a wave hits, pharmacies that normally have it in stock can run out within days. By the time they reorder, patients who need it urgently may be past the treatment window.
As of early 2026, there is no generic version of Paxlovid available in the United States. That means Pfizer is the sole manufacturer, and the supply chain runs through a single source. Without generic competition, there's less overall supply in the market, and prices remain high — which further discourages pharmacies from stocking it.
During the public health emergency (which ended in May 2023), the U.S. government purchased and distributed Paxlovid for free. Since then, it's moved to the commercial market. This transition created confusion about coverage, cost, and availability that still lingers. Some pharmacies reduced their stock when the free supply ended, and not all have ramped back up.
The good news: Paxlovid is out there. You just need to know where to look and act quickly.
The fastest way to find Paxlovid near you is to use Medfinder. It checks pharmacy inventory in real time so you can see which locations actually have it before you waste time calling around or driving from store to store.
Don't limit yourself to big chains. Independent pharmacies and compounding pharmacies sometimes have stock when the chains don't. Hospital outpatient pharmacies are another option — they often keep Paxlovid on hand for discharged patients.
Your prescriber may have access to pharmacy networks or can recommend specific pharmacies that reliably stock Paxlovid. Some healthcare systems have their own pharmacies that dispense it directly. If you're having trouble, let your doctor's office know — they deal with this regularly and may have workarounds.
If you haven't gotten a prescription yet, telehealth services can connect you with a provider quickly — sometimes within an hour. Many telehealth providers are familiar with Paxlovid and can also help identify pharmacies with stock in your area.
If cost is a barrier, Pfizer's PAXCESS Patient Support Program can help. Commercially insured patients may pay as little as $0, and uninsured or underinsured patients may qualify for free medication. Visit paxlovid.com/paxcess or call 1-877-219-7225.
For more tips, check out our detailed guide: How to Find Paxlovid 5-Day in Stock Near You.
If time is running out and no pharmacy near you has Paxlovid, talk to your doctor about alternatives. Options include:
These aren't identical to Paxlovid, but they can still help reduce the risk of severe COVID-19.
Finding Paxlovid in 2026 isn't always easy, but it's far from impossible. The key is acting fast — the sooner you start looking, the better your chances of starting treatment within that critical 5-day window.
Start your search with Medfinder to check real-time availability near you. And for a deeper dive into what Paxlovid is and how it works, read our guide: What Is Paxlovid 5-Day? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
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