Dexamethasone/Tobramycin Shortage Update: What Patients Need to Know in 2026

If you've been told your pharmacy is out of Dexamethasone/Tobramycin, you may be wondering: is there a shortage? Drug shortages have been a growing problem in the United States, with the overall number of active shortages reaching record levels in recent years. Here's what's actually happening with Dexamethasone/Tobramycin availability in 2026 — and what you can do about it.

Is Dexamethasone/Tobramycin in Shortage in 2026?

No, Dexamethasone/Tobramycin is not currently on the FDA or ASHP drug shortage lists as of early 2026. The ophthalmic combination product — available in both generic and brand-name (TobraDex) form — is being manufactured and distributed. However, that doesn't mean every pharmacy has it in stock at any given moment.

Individual pharmacies may still experience stock-outs due to supply chain variability, ordering patterns, and the fact that specialty eye drops aren't always kept in regular inventory at every location.

Why Is It Hard to Find Even Without a Formal Shortage?

There's a difference between a national shortage and a local stock-out. Even when a drug is technically available from manufacturers, you might still struggle to find it at your pharmacy for several reasons:

• Low demand at your specific pharmacy — If your pharmacy doesn't fill many ophthalmic prescriptions, they may not keep it on the shelf.
• Just-in-time inventory — Most pharmacies order based on recent demand, not in advance. This means they may need a day or two to get your medication.
• Distributor allocation — Pharmaceutical distributors sometimes allocate limited quantities of certain products to individual pharmacies, especially for specialty items.
• Manufacturing complexity — Sterile ophthalmic products require specialized facilities. Few generic manufacturers produce this combination, making the supply less flexible.

How Much Does Dexamethasone/Tobramycin Cost in 2026?

Pricing varies significantly depending on whether you get the brand or generic:

• Generic Tobramycin/Dexamethasone suspension: $28 to $55 with a discount card; $80 to $150 at retail
• Brand-name TobraDex suspension: $200 to $350 without insurance
• TobraDex ST: $149 to $250 without insurance
• TobraDex ointment: $290 to $385 without insurance

Always ask for the generic to save money. For more savings strategies, read our guide on how to save money on Dexamethasone/Tobramycin.

Are There New Options or Formulations?

The main formulations available in 2026 remain the same: the standard ophthalmic suspension (drops), TobraDex ST (a lower-concentration dexamethasone suspension), and the ophthalmic ointment. No new formulations have been introduced recently, but generic competition continues to make the standard suspension more accessible and affordable.

If you need a different approach, your doctor may also consider alternative combination eye drops. We cover these in detail in our article on alternatives to Dexamethasone/Tobramycin.

How to Find Dexamethasone/Tobramycin in Stock

If your pharmacy doesn't have it, try these steps:

1. Search for nearby pharmacies with stock using Medfinder.
2. Ask your pharmacy if they can order it from their distributor (usually 1-2 days).
3. Try independent pharmacies near ophthalmology practices.
4. Ask your doctor about the ointment form or separate Tobramycin and Dexamethasone drops.
5. Contact your prescriber to have the prescription transferred to a pharmacy that has it in stock.

Final Thoughts

While Dexamethasone/Tobramycin is not in a formal national shortage, finding it at your local pharmacy can still be a challenge. The generic version remains the most accessible and affordable option. Use Medfinder to check real-time availability near you, and don't hesitate to call your doctor if you're having trouble — especially since eye conditions can worsen quickly without treatment.

Related: How to find Dexamethasone/Tobramycin in stock near you (tools + tips)