Besifloxacin Shortage Update: What's Happening in 2026?

If you've had trouble filling a prescription for Besifloxacin eye drops (brand name Besivance), you may be wondering: is there a shortage? The situation with Besifloxacin in 2026 is nuanced — it's not a straightforward drug shortage like those you might see on the FDA's official list, but patients are still experiencing real difficulty getting their hands on this medication.

Here's what you need to know about the current state of Besifloxacin availability, why it might feel like a shortage, and what your options are.

Is Besifloxacin Still in Shortage?

As of early 2026, Besifloxacin is not listed on the FDA's official drug shortage database. This means the manufacturer, Bausch + Lomb, has not reported a production interruption or supply issue to the FDA. However, many patients report that their local pharmacies don't carry Besivance or are temporarily unable to order it.

This disconnect — where a drug isn't officially in shortage but is still hard to find — is common for brand-only specialty medications. The issue isn't that Besifloxacin isn't being manufactured; it's that many pharmacies simply don't stock it.

Why Is Besifloxacin Hard to Find?

Several factors contribute to the practical difficulty of finding Besifloxacin:

No Generic Version Available

Besifloxacin has no generic equivalent. Bausch + Lomb holds patents on Besivance that extend through November 2030, meaning no other manufacturer can produce a generic version for several more years. This single-source status means the entire U.S. supply depends on one company.

High Retail Cost

A single 5 mL bottle of Besivance costs approximately $230 to $350 at retail price without insurance. This high cost discourages pharmacies — particularly smaller ones — from keeping it on the shelf. When pharmacies do stock it and it doesn't sell quickly, they lose money on expired inventory.

Insurance Barriers

Many insurance plans require prior authorization for Besivance because cheaper generic fluoroquinolone alternatives exist. Step therapy requirements may also mandate that patients try lower-cost options like generic moxifloxacin or ofloxacin before insurance will cover Besifloxacin. These barriers reduce the number of prescriptions filled, which further reduces pharmacy incentive to stock it.

Intermittent Distributor Availability

Even when Besivance is being manufactured, distributor-level inventory can fluctuate. Pharmacies may find that their wholesaler is temporarily out of stock, creating localized availability gaps that look and feel like a shortage to patients.

What Does Besifloxacin Cost in 2026?

Without insurance or a discount program, expect to pay:

• Retail cash price: $230-$350 for one 5 mL bottle
• With GoodRx or SingleCare coupons: Prices start around $204-$227
• With the Bausch + Lomb Access Program: As little as $25 copay for commercially insured patients
• With the Patient Assistance Program: Potentially free for qualifying uninsured patients

For a detailed breakdown of savings options, see our guide on how to save money on Besifloxacin in 2026.

Are There New Options for 2026?

While no new formulations of Besifloxacin have been released, patients do have expanding options:

• Medfinder: Medfinder.com now makes it easier than ever to search real-time pharmacy inventory for Besivance in your area
• Telehealth prescribing: Eye care providers and primary care doctors can prescribe Besifloxacin via telehealth visits, expanding access for patients who may not have a specialist nearby
• Alternative antibiotics: Your doctor may consider other effective options like moxifloxacin, ofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, or erythromycin — all available as affordable generics. See our full list of Besifloxacin alternatives

How to Find Besifloxacin in Stock

If you need Besifloxacin and your pharmacy doesn't have it, here's a step-by-step approach:

1. Search on Medfinder: Visit medfinder.com to check real-time stock at pharmacies near you
2. Try independent pharmacies: They often have more flexibility to order brand-name medications
3. Ask for a special order: Most pharmacies can order Besivance from their wholesaler, typically with 1-2 day turnaround
4. Check mail-order options: Your insurance may offer mail-order pharmacy delivery for brand-name medications
5. Contact your prescriber: If you can't find it within a day or two, ask about switching to an available alternative

For more detailed strategies, read our comprehensive guide on how to find Besifloxacin in stock near you.

Final Thoughts

While Besifloxacin isn't in a formal FDA-recognized shortage in 2026, the practical challenges of finding it are real. The combination of brand-only status, high cost, insurance hurdles, and limited pharmacy stocking creates a situation where patients often need to take extra steps to fill their prescription.

The most important thing is to not delay your treatment. Bacterial conjunctivitis can worsen without antibiotics, and whether you fill your Besifloxacin prescription or switch to an alternative, starting therapy quickly gives you the best outcome. Use tools like Medfinder, explore savings programs, and stay in close communication with your doctor.