The Difluprednate Shortage: Where Things Stand in 2026

If you've been struggling to find Difluprednate eye drops over the past year or two, you're not imagining things. The medication — one of the most powerful steroid eye drops available — has been in short supply since April 2024, and the situation hasn't fully resolved heading into 2026.

This update covers everything patients need to know: whether Difluprednate is still in shortage, why it's hard to find, what it costs, and what your options are right now.

Is Difluprednate Still in Shortage?

Yes. As of early 2026, Difluprednate remains on the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) drug shortage list. The shortage was first reported in April 2024 when generic manufacturer Exelan placed its Difluprednate ophthalmic emulsion 0.05% (5 mL bottles) on long-term back order.

According to ASHP's most recent update (August 2025), Exelan still cannot estimate a release date for its generic Difluprednate. This means the supply constraints that have been affecting patients for nearly two years are expected to continue.

What's Available Right Now?

• Brand-name Durezol (manufactured by Novartis/Alcon) — Generally available but expensive
• Dr. Reddy's generic Difluprednate — Available in some markets but with limited production capacity
• Exelan generic — On indefinite back order

The bottom line: Difluprednate is available, but finding it — especially the affordable generic version — requires extra effort.

Why Is Difluprednate Hard to Find?

Several factors are contributing to the ongoing shortage:

Manufacturing Complexity

Difluprednate is formulated as an ophthalmic emulsion — a specialized oil-in-water mixture using castor oil. This is harder to manufacture than standard eye drop solutions or suspensions. The precision required for the emulsion means fewer manufacturers can produce it, and production disruptions take longer to resolve.

Limited Generic Producers

Unlike widely used oral medications that may have dozens of generic manufacturers, Difluprednate has very few. When one manufacturer goes offline, there isn't enough backup capacity to fill the gap. Dr. Reddy's Laboratories launched a generic version, but their output hasn't been enough to fully meet national demand.

Consistent High Demand

Cataract surgery is the most common surgical procedure in the U.S., with over 4 million procedures annually. Many ophthalmologists consider Difluprednate their first-choice post-surgical anti-inflammatory drop. That creates a baseline of high demand that's difficult to satisfy with reduced supply.

For the full breakdown, read why Difluprednate is so hard to find in 2026.

How Much Does Difluprednate Cost in 2026?

Cost is a significant concern, especially when the cheaper generic versions are harder to find:

• Brand-name Durezol: $250–$400 per 5 mL bottle without insurance
• Generic Difluprednate (retail): Around $303 per 5 mL bottle at average retail price
• Generic with discount card: As low as $43–$49 with GoodRx or SingleCare coupons

If your insurance covers Difluprednate, you may pay a copay of $10–$50 for the generic (Tier 1 or 2) or $50–$100+ for brand Durezol (Tier 3). Some plans require step therapy — meaning you may need to try a less expensive steroid like Prednisolone Acetate first.

Check out our complete guide to saving money on Difluprednate in 2026.

Are There New Options or Developments?

While there haven't been major new entrants in the Difluprednate market, a few developments are worth noting:

• Additional generic applications: The FDA has received interest from other manufacturers seeking to produce generic Difluprednate, though the complex emulsion formulation means approval timelines are uncertain
• Alternative steroid options: Ophthalmologists have become more flexible about prescribing alternatives like Prednisolone Acetate and Dexamethasone when Difluprednate isn't available
• Digital availability tools: Services like Medfinder now make it easier for patients to check which pharmacies have Difluprednate in stock in real time

How to Find Difluprednate in Stock Right Now

Here's your action plan:

1. Search on Medfinder — Go to medfinder.com and search for Difluprednate to see nearby pharmacies with current stock
2. Try independent pharmacies — They often source from different distributors than chains and may have supply when CVS or Walgreens don't
3. Call specialty or hospital pharmacies — Ophthalmology clinics and hospital outpatient pharmacies sometimes have separate supply channels
4. Ask your doctor for help — Ophthalmology practices often know which pharmacies currently have stock
5. Consider mail-order — If you have a few days before you need the medication, specialty mail-order pharmacies may have it available

For a detailed walkthrough, read how to find Difluprednate in stock near you.

What If You Can't Find It at All?

If Difluprednate isn't available anywhere near you, don't delay treatment. Talk to your ophthalmologist about alternative steroid eye drops. The most common substitutes include:

• Prednisolone Acetate (Pred Forte) — Strong, widely available, affordable
• Dexamethasone (Maxidex) — High potency, available generically
• Loteprednol Etabonate (Lotemax) — Milder, lower risk of pressure issues

Never skip or delay steroid eye drops after surgery or during a uveitis flare without talking to your doctor. Untreated inflammation can cause permanent vision damage.

Final Thoughts

The Difluprednate shortage has been a frustrating reality for patients and providers since 2024, and it's continuing into 2026. While brand-name Durezol is generally available, the cost barrier is real. Generic supply remains limited.

The best things you can do: use Medfinder to search for available stock, explore savings programs to reduce costs, and work with your eye doctor on a backup plan. Staying informed and proactive is the best defense against a drug shortage.