Having trouble finding Tenofovir Disoproxil at your pharmacy? Learn why this HIV and hepatitis B medication can be hard to find in 2026 and what to do.
If you've recently gone to your pharmacy to pick up Tenofovir Disoproxil — only to be told it's out of stock — you're not alone. Many patients across the country have experienced the same frustration. Whether you take it for HIV treatment, HIV prevention (PrEP), or chronic hepatitis B, not being able to fill your prescription can feel scary and stressful.
In this article, we'll explain what Tenofovir Disoproxil is, why it's been difficult to find at some pharmacies, and — most importantly — what steps you can take to get your medication.
Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate (brand name Viread) is a prescription medication in the class of drugs called nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NtRTIs). It works by blocking an enzyme that HIV and hepatitis B viruses need to copy themselves inside your body.
The FDA has approved Tenofovir Disoproxil for three main uses:
Tenofovir Disoproxil is typically taken as a 300 mg tablet once daily, with or without food. Generic versions have been available since 2018, making it much more affordable than the original brand-name Viread.
For a deeper look at the drug itself, see our guide: What Is Tenofovir Disoproxil? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know.
There are several reasons you might be having trouble finding Tenofovir Disoproxil at your local pharmacy. Here are the most common ones:
Over the past few years, awareness of HIV prevention through PrEP has grown significantly. Public health campaigns, expanded insurance coverage, and the federal Ready, Set, PrEP program have all contributed to more people starting Tenofovir Disoproxil for prevention. This increased demand can outpace what individual pharmacies keep in stock.
Since Tenofovir Disoproxil went generic, multiple manufacturers produce it. While this generally keeps prices low, it also means supply depends on several companies. If one manufacturer has a production delay or quality issue, it can create temporary gaps in the supply chain — especially at pharmacies that rely on a single supplier.
Most pharmacies use automated ordering systems that stock medications based on recent demand. If your pharmacy doesn't regularly fill Tenofovir Disoproxil prescriptions, they may not keep it on the shelf. This is especially common at smaller retail pharmacies or those in areas with fewer HIV/PrEP patients.
Broader supply chain issues — from raw material sourcing to distribution bottlenecks — can occasionally affect availability. While Tenofovir Disoproxil is not currently listed as a critical shortage by the FDA, regional and pharmacy-level stockouts still happen.
The good news is that Tenofovir Disoproxil is generally available — it just might take a little extra effort to locate. Here's what to try:
Medfinder lets you search for Tenofovir Disoproxil availability at pharmacies in your area in real time. Instead of calling pharmacy after pharmacy, you can check stock online and find the closest location that has it.
Large chain pharmacies aren't your only option. Independent pharmacies and specialty pharmacies that focus on HIV medications often have better stock of antiretrovirals like Tenofovir Disoproxil. Ask your doctor or local HIV clinic for recommendations.
If your pharmacy is temporarily out, ask them to place a special order. Most pharmacies can get the medication within 1–3 business days through their distributor.
If you're having ongoing trouble finding Tenofovir Disoproxil, your doctor may be able to switch you to a similar medication. Tenofovir Alafenamide (TAF), found in medications like Descovy, is a newer version with a similar mechanism but potentially fewer kidney and bone side effects. Read more in our post: Alternatives to Tenofovir Disoproxil If You Can't Fill Your Prescription.
This is critical — especially if you have hepatitis B. Stopping Tenofovir Disoproxil suddenly can cause severe liver flare-ups. If you're running low and can't find a refill, contact your doctor immediately so they can help you bridge the gap.
Finding Tenofovir Disoproxil in 2026 can sometimes be a challenge, but it's far from impossible. The medication is widely manufactured as a generic, covered by most insurance plans, and available through multiple pharmacy channels. The key is knowing where to look and acting quickly when your supply is running low.
Start by checking availability on Medfinder, and don't hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider if you need help finding your medication or exploring alternatives.
For more tips, check out our guide: How to Find Tenofovir Disoproxil in Stock Near You.
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.
%2C%20Color%3DOriginal.png)
