Alternatives to Bromfenac If You Can't Fill Your Prescription

Can't Get Bromfenac? You Have Options

If your pharmacy is out of Bromfenac or your insurance won't cover it, you're probably wondering: What else can I use? The good news is that Bromfenac is one of several NSAID eye drops used after cataract surgery, and your ophthalmologist can switch you to an equally effective alternative.

In this guide, we'll explain what Bromfenac does, how it works, and walk you through the best alternatives available in 2026 — including how they compare on cost, dosing, and availability.

What Is Bromfenac?

Bromfenac is a prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) formulated as an eye drop. It's primarily prescribed to treat pain and inflammation after cataract surgery. You might know it by brand names like Prolensa, BromSite, or the older (now discontinued) Bromday and Xibrom.

Generic Bromfenac is available as a 0.09% ophthalmic solution. Prolensa is a 0.07% formulation, and BromSite is 0.075%. All are applied as eye drops, typically once or twice daily for about 14 days after surgery.

For more details, see our full overview: What is Bromfenac?

How Does Bromfenac Work?

Bromfenac works by blocking cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes — specifically COX-2 — in your eye. These enzymes produce prostaglandins, which are chemicals that trigger pain and swelling. By stopping prostaglandin production at the surgical site, Bromfenac reduces inflammation, eases pain, and helps prevent complications like macular edema after cataract removal.

The eye drop is absorbed through the cornea and reaches peak levels in the aqueous humor (the fluid inside your eye) within 2.5 to 3 hours. Its effects last at least 12 hours, which is why once-daily dosing works for most patients.

Learn more in our detailed explainer: How does Bromfenac work?

Alternatives to Bromfenac

All of the alternatives below are ophthalmic NSAIDs that work by the same general mechanism — blocking COX enzymes to reduce inflammation and pain. Your doctor will choose the best option based on availability, cost, and your specific situation.

1. Ketorolac (Acular, Acular LS, Acuvail)

Ketorolac is one of the most widely prescribed ophthalmic NSAIDs and is often the first alternative doctors consider when Bromfenac isn't available. It's been on the market for decades and has a strong track record.

• Formulations: Acular (0.5%), Acular LS (0.4%), Acuvail (0.45% preservative-free)
• Dosing: Typically 1 drop four times daily, starting 24 hours after surgery for up to 2 weeks
• Cost: Generic ketorolac ophthalmic is widely available and often costs $15-$40 with a discount card — significantly cheaper than Bromfenac
• Availability: Excellent. Nearly every pharmacy stocks generic ketorolac

The main tradeoff is that Ketorolac usually requires four drops per day compared to Bromfenac's one, which can be less convenient. Some patients also report more stinging upon instillation.

2. Nepafenac (Nevanac, Ilevro)

Nepafenac is a prodrug — meaning it's inactive until it penetrates the eye and gets converted to its active form (amfenac) by enzymes in the ocular tissue. This targeted activation may reduce surface irritation.

• Formulations: Nevanac (0.1%, three times daily) and Ilevro (0.3%, once daily)
• Dosing: Ilevro is once daily, making it comparable to Bromfenac in convenience
• Cost: Brand-name Ilevro can be expensive ($200-$400+), but generic nepafenac 0.1% is more affordable at $40-$80 with coupons
• Availability: Good. Both brand and generic versions are available at most pharmacies

If once-daily dosing is important to you, Ilevro is the closest match to Bromfenac in terms of convenience.

3. Diclofenac Ophthalmic

Diclofenac is another well-established ophthalmic NSAID. It's been used for decades in ophthalmology and is available as an affordable generic.

• Formulation: 0.1% ophthalmic solution
• Dosing: Typically 1 drop four times daily starting 24 hours post-surgery
• Cost: One of the most affordable options — generic diclofenac ophthalmic often costs $15-$30 with a discount card
• Availability: Widely available at most pharmacies

Like ketorolac, the downside is more frequent dosing (four times daily). However, its low cost and broad availability make it a practical choice when Bromfenac isn't an option.

4. Flurbiprofen Ophthalmic (Ocufen)

Flurbiprofen is a slightly different ophthalmic NSAID that's primarily used during cataract surgery to prevent the pupil from constricting (miosis). It's less commonly prescribed for post-operative inflammation, but your doctor may consider it in certain situations.

• Formulation: 0.03% ophthalmic solution
• Dosing: 1 drop every 30 minutes beginning 2 hours before surgery (4 drops total)
• Cost: Generic available, typically $20-$50
• Availability: Moderate — less commonly stocked than ketorolac or diclofenac

Flurbiprofen is not a direct substitute for Bromfenac's post-surgical use, but it's worth mentioning as part of the ophthalmic NSAID family.

How to Talk to Your Doctor About Switching

If you can't fill your Bromfenac prescription, call your ophthalmologist's office right away. Let them know:

• Which pharmacies you've tried
• Whether cost or availability is the issue
• If you have insurance restrictions (like prior authorization requirements)

Your doctor can send a new prescription for an alternative directly to a pharmacy that has it in stock. For most patients, switching between ophthalmic NSAIDs is straightforward since they all work by similar mechanisms.

You can also use Medfinder to check which pharmacies near you have Bromfenac or its alternatives available right now.

Final Thoughts

Bromfenac is an effective medication, but it's not the only option for managing pain and inflammation after cataract surgery. Ketorolac, Nepafenac, and Diclofenac are all proven alternatives that your doctor can prescribe if Bromfenac isn't available or affordable.

The most important thing is not to skip your post-operative eye drops. If you're having trouble finding Bromfenac, take action quickly — your eye health after surgery depends on it.

For more help finding this medication, see our guides on how to find Bromfenac in stock and how to save money on Bromfenac.