Durezol Shortage Update: What Patients Need to Know in 2026

If you've been prescribed Durezol (difluprednate ophthalmic emulsion 0.05%) and are having trouble filling it, you're dealing with the effects of an ongoing drug shortage that began in April 2024. As of early 2026, the shortage has not been resolved, and patients continue to face challenges finding the affordable generic version of this critical eye medication.

This page provides the latest update on the Durezol shortage, what it means for your prescription, and concrete steps you can take right now.

The Current Shortage Status (2026 Update)

As of early 2026:

Difluprednate ophthalmic emulsion 0.05% remains on the ASHP (American Society of Health-System Pharmacists) drug shortage list

Exelan Pharmaceuticals placed its generic product on long-term back order in April 2024 with no estimated return date (as of August 2025 ASHP update)

Dr. Reddy's and Amneal generics have limited availability in some markets

Brand-name Durezol (Novartis/Alcon) remains available but costs $250–$400 per 5 mL bottle without insurance

How the Shortage Started

The shortage was first reported in April 2024 when Exelan Pharmaceuticals — one of the primary U.S. generic manufacturers of difluprednate ophthalmic emulsion — placed its 5 mL bottles on long-term back order. Because difluprednate is formulated as an ophthalmic emulsion (a more complex manufacturing process than simple eye drop solutions), other manufacturers have been unable to quickly ramp up supply to fill the gap.

The shortage has primarily affected the generic versions, which are the versions most patients rely on because brand-name Durezol is significantly more expensive.

What Does the Durezol Shortage Mean for Your Prescription?

Here's what the shortage means in practical terms for patients:

You may need to call multiple pharmacies before finding one with generic difluprednate in stock

You may be offered brand Durezol at a much higher price — this is clinically equivalent but significantly more costly

Your insurance copay may change if you're forced to fill the brand instead of the generic (brand is usually Tier 3 vs. Tier 1-2 for generic)

You may need to consider an alternative if neither version is available or affordable — work with your ophthalmologist on this

Current Prices During the Shortage

Here are the current price ranges for difluprednate (5 mL bottle, 0.05%) as of 2026:

Brand-name Durezol: $250–$400 retail per bottle

Generic difluprednate (retail): ~$303 average retail price per bottle

Generic with GoodRx coupon: As low as $44–$49 per bottle when available

With insurance (generic): $10–$50 copay (Tier 1–2)

With insurance (brand Durezol): $50–$100+ copay (Tier 3)

5 Steps to Take If You Can't Find Durezol

Use medfinder — medfinder.com contacts pharmacies near you to find which ones have Durezol or difluprednate available without you having to make all those calls yourself.

Call independent pharmacies — they may source from different wholesalers than chain pharmacies and may have stock when chains don't.

Check discount coupons — GoodRx and SingleCare coupons can significantly reduce the cost of generic difluprednate when available (down to $44–$49).

Ask about patient assistance — The Novartis Patient Assistance Foundation may provide brand Durezol at no cost if you meet income requirements.

Contact your ophthalmologist — if you cannot find Durezol, do not stop treatment. Your doctor can prescribe an appropriate alternative such as prednisolone acetate 1% or loteprednol.

Will the Shortage End Soon?

There is no confirmed resolution date. Exelan has not provided a timeline, and the FDA has received interest from additional manufacturers for new generic approvals, but production ramp-up takes time. Patients and providers should continue to plan for ongoing limited availability of affordable generic difluprednate through 2026.

Looking for other options? Read our guide on alternatives to Durezol if you can't fill your prescription.