Eyemycin Shortage Update: What Patients Need to Know in 2026

The Eyemycin shortage — more precisely, the shortage of erythromycin ophthalmic ointment 0.5% — remains an ongoing concern for patients and providers in 2026. If you or your child has been prescribed this medication and your pharmacy doesn't have it, here's everything you need to know about the current situation.

Is Eyemycin Still in Shortage in 2026?

Yes — erythromycin ophthalmic ointment continues to face intermittent supply disruptions in 2026. While the FDA's officially listed shortage (from March 2019 to May 2021) has been marked as resolved, real-world availability remains inconsistent. New York State's Department of Health issued a shortage guidance letter to hospitals and healthcare providers in February 2026 — one of many such notices issued since 2022.

The ASHP (American Society of Health-System Pharmacists) drug shortage database reports that Bausch & Lomb's erythromycin ophthalmic ointment presentations have experienced ongoing back-order episodes. Availability varies by region and pharmacy type.

A Timeline of the Eyemycin Shortage

2009: First national shortage. Fougera ceased production; Fera Pharmaceuticals acquired rights and restored supply.

2019–2021: FDA formally listed an active shortage. CDC issued interim guidance for neonatal prophylaxis alternatives.

February 2023: Akorn Inc. ceased all pharmaceutical operations, eliminating a major supplier.

August 2023: Padagis discontinued all erythromycin ophthalmic ointment products.

January 2024: New York State DOH issued guidance to hospitals on managing the ongoing shortage for neonatal care.

February 2026: NY State DOH issued updated guidance — confirming the shortage remains active and providing updated protocols for alternative neonatal prophylaxis.

Why Is There Still a Shortage in 2026?

The core issue is manufacturer consolidation. With Akorn and Padagis out of the market, Bausch & Lomb is effectively the only major commercial manufacturer of erythromycin ophthalmic ointment in the United States. A single-source supply chain is inherently fragile — any production disruption, raw material issue, or quality hold creates an immediate nationwide shortage.

There is little financial incentive for new manufacturers to enter this market. Erythromycin ophthalmic ointment is a low-cost generic with thin margins, making it unattractive for investment even though it is critically important — particularly for newborn eye care.

How Does the Shortage Affect Patients?

For adult patients prescribed erythromycin ophthalmic ointment for conjunctivitis, blepharitis, or corneal infections, the shortage means:

Your pharmacy may not have it in stock — even if they normally carry it

You may need to call multiple pharmacies or travel further to fill your prescription

Your prescriber may recommend switching to an alternative antibiotic

During severe shortage episodes, supply is prioritized for neonatal use, further limiting availability for adults

What Should Patients Do Right Now?

Use medfinder to find available stock. medfinder calls pharmacies near you to check real availability — saving you hours of phone calls.

Don't wait if your infection is worsening. Eye infections can progress quickly. If you can't find erythromycin within 24 hours, call your prescriber and ask about appropriate alternatives.

Ask about alternatives. Tobramycin, bacitracin, and fluoroquinolone drops are effective for many bacterial eye infections. Your prescriber can determine the best substitute.

Try independent pharmacies and compounding pharmacies. These often source from different wholesalers and may have stock when chains don't.

Is the Shortage Expected to Resolve?

There is no confirmed resolution timeline as of early 2026. The structural problem — only one major commercial manufacturer — will not resolve quickly. Until new manufacturers enter the market or Bausch & Lomb significantly expands capacity, intermittent shortages are likely to continue. For a deeper look at the supply chain issues, see our article on why Eyemycin is so hard to find.