Is Cequa in shortage in 2026? Get the latest update on Cequa availability, why it's hard to find, what it costs, and how to get your prescription filled today.
If you're struggling to find Cequa (Cyclosporine ophthalmic solution 0.09%) at your pharmacy, you might be wondering: is there a shortage? The short answer is no — Cequa is not listed on the FDA's Drug Shortage Database as of early 2026. Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, the manufacturer, continues to produce and distribute the medication.
But here's the thing: just because there isn't a formal shortage doesn't mean finding Cequa is easy. Many patients report difficulty locating it at their local pharmacies, and the reasons behind this are more nuanced than a simple supply problem.
Let's break down what's actually happening with Cequa availability in 2026 and what you can do about it.
Yes, for many patients it is. Even without a manufacturer-level shortage, Cequa can be difficult to find at retail pharmacies for several practical reasons:
For a deeper look at all the factors, read our full article on why Cequa is so hard to find.
Insurance is often the biggest barrier. Many health plans require patients to try cheaper alternatives first — a process called step therapy. You might need to try artificial tears and generic Cyclosporine 0.05% before your insurance will consider covering Cequa. Even then, a prior authorization is typically required, which takes time and paperwork from your doctor's office.
Because so many Cequa prescriptions get caught up in insurance denials or delays, pharmacies fill fewer prescriptions for it, and as a result, they stock it less.
Without insurance, Cequa costs roughly $624 to $917 per month for 60 single-use vials. That works out to about $28 per day or over $10,000 per year. This price point makes pharmacies cautious about keeping unsold inventory on their shelves.
Sun Pharma partners with PhilRx, a specialty pharmacy, to help patients access Cequa. While this is helpful for navigating insurance and savings programs, it means the medication flows through specialty channels that many patients aren't familiar with.
Here's a snapshot of Cequa pricing as of early 2026:
For a full breakdown of savings options, read our guide on how to save money on Cequa.
The dry eye treatment landscape continues to evolve. Beyond Cequa, patients and providers now have several options:
Each has different trade-offs in terms of cost, insurance coverage, and how they work. See our detailed comparison in alternatives to Cequa.
If you need Cequa and can't find it at your regular pharmacy, here are the best strategies:
For more detailed tips, see our complete guide on how to find Cequa in stock near you.
Cequa is not in shortage in 2026 — but it remains a medication that takes some effort to find and afford. The challenges are driven by insurance complexity, high pricing, and specialty distribution rather than a manufacturing problem. By using the right tools, working with your doctor, and exploring savings programs, you can get your Cequa prescription filled.
If you're a provider looking for the clinical perspective on Cequa availability, check out our companion article: Cequa shortage — what providers and prescribers need to know in 2026.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
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