Riluzole not available?

Bike Mike

New member
Joined
Aug 14, 2024
Messages
8
Reason
PALS
Diagnosis
05/2023
Country
US
State
PA
City
Lansdale
CVS is telling me that Riluzole is now on back order and not available at any stores within 30 mi of Philadelphia. They have been trying to get it for about 2 weeks. I have not had any issues with getting Riluzole since starting it >1 yr ago. My insurance plan covers meds from CVS primarily. Is anyone aware of a current shortage with other pharmacies or change in manufacturing?
Thank you
 
It isn’t on the list of current shortages that I could find. There are multiple manufacturers-perhaps the one cvs sources from is having issues. Are you 100% stuck with cvs to get it paid for? You could look on goodrx to see if there is a manageable cash payment at another pharmacy and call them to see if they can get it. I did this once when I had an issue
 
Thanks Nikki. I’ll have to look into other options. Ascend Laboratories replied to me as follows: Me: “Can you please tell me if you are still producing Riluzole? My local CVS Pharmacy told me it is currently back ordered.” “Yes we are on short term backorder. We anticipate it will resolve in a month.”
 
I have had sun, apotex and sanofi that I can remember. Ascend is definitely not the only option
 
I have heard some issues. You can also transfer your rx to Amazon Pharmacy if it's in stock there, which it looks like it is.
 
Amazon is pretty pricey. 60 tabs are almost 400. Walmart goodrx near me is 32
 
They accept many insurance plans. You can input your plan and check. But to check locally, call the biggest chains in your area that are in network for you -- it doesn't matter which branch because they can see their stock at other stores. They are served by different distributors. The biggest overall are CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, Kroger/QFC/Fred Meyer, Walmart, Albertsons/Safeway, Costco.
 
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Thank you all for the responses. CVS finally came through. Glad it didn’t take a month or more.
 
I had to hunt down a different pharmacy. Called my insurance they tried Costco Pharmacy said some nationwide shortage. Called 6 different pharmacies. Found two that had it. Make sure to talk to a manager sometimes they have some but not a full month supply. you can request a short refill.

So one pharmacy said their out, but really they had 56 tabs at a different location not 60. I said book it Dan-o! lol
 
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