What to Do If Your Medication Is on Backorder

How Olympia Plaza Pharmacy Helps You Stay on Track

It’s frustrating and even stressful to discover that the medication you rely on is suddenly on backorder. Unfortunately, drug shortages can happen for many reasons—manufacturing delays, supply chain issues, or even increased demand. At Olympia Plaza Pharmacy in Los Angeles, we understand how important it is to stay consistent with your medications. That’s why we’re here to help you navigate backorders with smart alternatives, professional advice, and personalized care.


Why Medications Go on Backorder

Pharmaceutical backorders can happen for a number of reasons, including:

  • Raw material shortages

  • Manufacturing or quality control issues

  • Increased national or global demand

  • Regulatory or packaging delays

Backorders can affect everything from maintenance meds like blood pressure or diabetes drugs to short-term treatments like antibiotics or pain relievers. Some specialty medications are more prone to delays due to limited manufacturing sources.


What to Do If Your Medication Isn’t Available

If we inform you that your medication is currently on backorder, don’t panic—here’s what you should do next:

1. Talk to Your Pharmacist Immediately

We’ll check to see whether:

  • The same medication is available in a different strength or form (e.g., liquid vs. tablet)

  • A therapeutic equivalent (a different brand or generic version) is available

  • We can contact your doctor to discuss an appropriate substitute

At Olympia Plaza Pharmacy, we always look for safe, effective options to keep your treatment plan uninterrupted.

2. Don’t Skip Doses

Unless directed by your doctor, do not stop taking your medication. If you’re about to run out and your prescription is on hold due to a backorder, call us as soon as possible. We may be able to bridge the gap with a short-term alternative or recommend what to do safely in the meantime.

3. Consider Local Alternatives

We’ll check with other pharmacy partners or specialty wholesalers in the Los Angeles area to see if the medication can be sourced elsewhere. Our team goes the extra mile to locate the medication you need.


How Olympia Plaza Pharmacy Can Help

As your trusted independent pharmacy in Los Angeles, we offer a more personalized approach than big chains. When medications are on backorder, we:

  • Communicate directly with your prescriber to request substitutions

  • Monitor backorder lists and keep you informed with real-time updates

  • Prioritize high-need patients for limited stock

  • Help with insurance reauthorization if switching medications is necessary

  • Explore compounding options when appropriate (for select medications)

Our team doesn’t just fill prescriptions—we solve problems with care, accuracy, and urgency.


What You Can Do to Prepare for Future Shortages

While not all backorders are predictable, here are a few tips to stay ahead:

  • Refill early: Don’t wait until the last day—try to refill 5–7 days in advance.

  • Sign up for refill reminders through our pharmacy system.

  • Let us know if you’re traveling so we can ensure you don’t run out.

  • Talk to us about 90-day supplies for eligible medications to reduce refill frequency.


Need Help With a Backordered Medication? Call Us Today.

If your medication is on backorder, don’t wait—Olympia Plaza Pharmacy is here to help you navigate the next steps with personalized care and attention. Call us at 323.937.2590 or stop by our pharmacy in Los Angeles for support, safe alternatives, and peace of mind.

Your health can’t wait—and neither do we.