Besifloxacin Shortage Update: What Patients Need to Know in 2026

Besifloxacin in 2026: What's Going On with Availability?

If you've been prescribed Besifloxacin — sold as Besivance — and your pharmacy told you it's out of stock, you're probably wondering: is there a shortage? What's happening with this medication, and when will things get better?

Here's the most current information on Besifloxacin availability in 2026, including what's causing the supply problems, how much it costs right now, and what you can do to get your prescription filled.

Is Besifloxacin Still in Shortage?

As of early 2026, Besifloxacin is not listed on the FDA's official drug shortage database or the ASHP drug shortage list. However, that doesn't tell the whole story.

Many patients continue to report difficulty finding Besivance at their local pharmacies. The reason has less to do with a formal "shortage" and more to do with the unique challenges of this particular medication:

• It's a brand-name-only product — no generic exists
• There's a single manufacturer (Bausch + Lomb)
• Pharmacies may not keep it in stock due to low demand and high cost
• Insurance barriers like prior authorization and step therapy reduce how often it's dispensed

The result is a medication that technically isn't in shortage but can feel impossible to find depending on where you live.

Why Is Besifloxacin Hard to Find?

Several factors are making Besifloxacin difficult to locate in 2026:

No Generic Competition

Unlike other fluoroquinolone eye drops such as Moxifloxacin, Ofloxacin, and Ciprofloxacin — all of which have affordable generic versions — Besifloxacin has no generic equivalent. Bausch + Lomb holds patents on the Besivance formulation, and the FDA has not approved any generic alternatives.

Without generic competition, there's only one source for this medication. If Bausch + Lomb experiences any production delays or distribution issues, the entire supply is affected.

High Cost Limits Pharmacy Stocking

With a cash price of $130 to $300 per bottle, Besivance is an expensive product for pharmacies to keep on the shelf. Many pharmacies — especially large chains — only order it when a specific prescription comes in, rather than maintaining routine stock.

Insurance Barriers Reduce Demand

Many insurance plans place Besivance on a higher formulary tier or require patients to try cheaper alternatives first (step therapy). This reduces overall prescribing volume, which in turn reduces how much pharmacies stock.

For more on why this medication is difficult to locate, see our detailed explainer on why Besifloxacin is so hard to find.

How Much Does Besifloxacin Cost in 2026?

The cost of Besifloxacin varies depending on your insurance and where you fill it:

• Cash price (no insurance): $130 to $300 for a 5 mL bottle
• With a discount card: Around $130 to $205 (SingleCare, GoodRx, or similar)
• Bausch + Lomb Access Program (insured patients): As low as $25 copay
• Bausch + Lomb Access Program (cash-paying patients): No more than $69
• With commercial insurance: Varies by plan — expect $25 to $75 copay if covered at a preferred tier

For a full breakdown of savings options, check out our guide on how to save money on Besifloxacin.

New Options and Developments

While no generic version of Besifloxacin is currently available, the pharmaceutical landscape for ophthalmic antibiotics continues to evolve. Patients who can't access Besifloxacin have several well-established alternative fluoroquinolone eye drops to consider:

• Generic Moxifloxacin — the closest alternative in terms of spectrum and generation ($15 to $50)
• Generic Ofloxacin — affordable and widely available ($10 to $30)
• Generic Ciprofloxacin — available as drops and ointment ($10 to $25)

Talk to your doctor about whether one of these alternatives would be appropriate for your specific infection.

How to Find Besifloxacin in Stock Right Now

If you need Besifloxacin and your pharmacy doesn't have it, here's your action plan:

Step 1: Check Medfinder

Use Medfinder to search for pharmacies near you that have Besifloxacin in stock. It's the fastest way to find availability without making a dozen phone calls.

Step 2: Try Independent Pharmacies

Independent and specialty pharmacies — particularly those near ophthalmology practices — are more likely to stock Besivance than large chain pharmacies.

Step 3: Ask Your Pharmacy to Order It

Most pharmacies can special-order Besivance with delivery in one to three business days. Ask them to place the order and confirm when it'll arrive.

Step 4: Contact Your Doctor

If you can't wait for an order to arrive, your doctor can prescribe an alternative to start treatment immediately. You can always switch back to Besifloxacin once it's available. Find out more about tips for finding Besifloxacin in stock.

Final Thoughts

Besifloxacin isn't officially in shortage in 2026, but real-world availability remains a challenge for many patients. The combination of no generic option, a single manufacturer, high costs, and insurance hurdles means you may need to put in extra effort to get your prescription filled.

The most important thing is not to delay treatment. Bacterial conjunctivitis can worsen and spread if left untreated. Use the tools and tips above to find Besifloxacin, or work with your doctor on an effective alternative so you can start healing right away.