Is Bimatoprost still in shortage in 2026? Get the latest update on availability, pricing, alternatives, and how to find Bimatoprost in stock near you.
If you rely on Bimatoprost eye drops to manage your glaucoma or ocular hypertension, you've probably noticed that filling your prescription hasn't always been smooth over the past year or two. Stock issues at pharmacies, back-ordered supplies, and confusing insurance requirements have left many patients wondering: is Bimatoprost in shortage?
Here's what we know heading into 2026 — and what you can do to make sure you don't miss a dose.
As of early 2026, Bimatoprost is not listed as an active shortage on the FDA's drug shortage database. That's the official status. However, the reality on the ground is more complicated.
Many patients and pharmacies across the country continue to report intermittent supply disruptions, particularly for the Bimatoprost 0.01% concentration (the strength used in brand-name Lumigan). These disruptions are not severe enough to trigger a formal FDA shortage listing, but they're real enough to cause headaches at the pharmacy counter.
The situation has improved since late 2025, when Amneal Pharmaceuticals received FDA approval for a generic version of Bimatoprost ophthalmic solution 0.01%. This added a new supplier to the market, which has helped ease some of the availability pressure. However, it takes time for new generic supply to fully distribute across all pharmacies nationwide.
Several factors have contributed to the supply challenges:
Ophthalmic solutions require specialized sterile manufacturing facilities. Not every generic drug company can produce eye drops, which means there are fewer suppliers for Bimatoprost compared to common oral medications. When even one manufacturer experiences a production delay, it can ripple through the entire supply chain.
Bimatoprost comes in two main concentrations for eye use: 0.01% and 0.03%. The 0.01% concentration — the current standard for Lumigan — has been more difficult to source than the 0.03% strength. If your prescription specifies one concentration and your pharmacy only has the other, you may not be able to fill it without a new prescription from your doctor.
Even when manufacturers have adequate supply, distribution to individual pharmacies can be uneven. Large chain pharmacies use automated ordering systems that may not prioritize lower-volume medications like Bimatoprost, while independent pharmacies may face allocation limits from wholesalers.
Some insurance plans have shifted their preferred prostaglandin analog, moving Bimatoprost to a higher tier or requiring step therapy (trying Latanoprost first). This can reduce pharmacy demand for Bimatoprost, leading some locations to stop stocking it regularly — which then makes it harder to find when you do need it.
Cost is an important part of the availability picture. Here's what patients can expect to pay:
For a full breakdown of savings options, see our guide on how to save money on Bimatoprost in 2026.
There are some encouraging developments that may help patients going forward:
The 2025 FDA approval of Amneal's generic Bimatoprost 0.01% has added a new supply source to the market. As this product continues to distribute nationwide, availability should improve throughout 2026.
For patients with open-angle glaucoma who are tired of managing daily drops and dealing with availability issues, the Durysta intracameral implant offers a different approach. This tiny Bimatoprost implant is placed in the eye during a brief office procedure and releases medication gradually. It eliminates the need for daily drops and removes pharmacy availability from the equation entirely.
Durysta is covered by many insurance plans under medical benefits (not pharmacy benefits), and AbbVie offers a savings program to help with out-of-pocket costs.
If Bimatoprost remains difficult to find in your area, other prostaglandin analogs may be viable substitutes. Latanoprost (Xalatan) is widely available and affordable, Travoprost (Travatan Z) offers a gentler preservative system, and Tafluprost (Zioptan) is preservative-free. Learn more in our post on alternatives to Bimatoprost.
If you need to fill your prescription today, here's what to do:
For more tips, read our detailed guide on how to find Bimatoprost in stock near you.
The Bimatoprost supply situation in 2026 is improving, but it's not perfect. While there's no official FDA shortage, many patients still face real-world challenges at the pharmacy. The addition of new generic manufacturers, the Durysta implant option, and several effective alternative medications mean that you have more options than ever to keep your glaucoma treatment on track.
The most important thing is to not skip your medication. Untreated glaucoma can cause irreversible vision loss. If you can't find Bimatoprost, use the tools and alternatives available to you, and work closely with your eye doctor to ensure your treatment continues without interruption. For help finding a prescriber, check out our guide on how to find a doctor who can prescribe Bimatoprost near you.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
Try Medfinder Concierge FreeMedfinder's mission is to ensure every patient gets access to the medications they need. We believe this begins with trustworthy information. Our core values guide everything we do, including the standards that shape the accuracy, transparency, and quality of our content. We’re committed to delivering information that’s evidence-based, regularly updated, and easy to understand. For more details on our editorial process, see here.
%2C%20Color%3DOriginal.png)
