Eysuvis Shortage: What Providers and Prescribers Need to Know in 2026

Eysuvis (loteprednol etabonate ophthalmic suspension 0.25%) offers a uniquely valuable role in dry eye disease management: rapid, short-term inflammatory control during flares. Yet many patients you prescribe it to will struggle to fill the prescription. Understanding why — and what you can do to facilitate access — is increasingly important in 2026.

The Clinical Role of Eysuvis in Dry Eye Management

Eysuvis is the first and only FDA-approved corticosteroid specifically indicated for the short-term (up to 2 weeks) treatment of dry eye disease. Using Alcon's AMPPLIFY mucus-penetrating particle (MPP) technology, Eysuvis delivers loteprednol etabonate through the mucin layer of the tear film more efficiently than traditional formulations, targeting the underlying inflammation at the ocular surface.

In four Phase 3 clinical trials involving approximately 2,900 patients with dry eye disease, Eysuvis demonstrated statistically significant improvements in ocular discomfort severity (ODS) as early as Day 4, with continued improvement through Day 15. Reductions in conjunctival hyperemia (redness) were also observed at Day 15 compared to vehicle. These rapid-onset benefits make Eysuvis particularly useful as a:

Short-term flare controller for acute exacerbations of dry eye disease

Bridge therapy during induction of cyclosporine (Restasis/Cequa), which typically takes 3-6 months to reach full efficacy

Rapid-relief option for patients with episodic dry eye flares (estimated to affect ~80% of dry eye sufferers)

IOP Considerations: What the Data Shows

Clinicians are appropriately cautious about topical steroids and IOP elevation. Clinical trial data for Eysuvis is reassuring in this regard. In pooled safety analyses of approximately 2,900 patients across four studies, clinically meaningful IOP increases (defined as ≥10 mmHg from baseline or IOP ≥21 mmHg) were rare at the 2-week treatment duration. However, patients with a history of elevated IOP, glaucoma, or thin corneas require careful monitoring. Prescribing information requires that IOP be evaluated at both initiation and renewal of the prescription.

Why Your Patients Are Struggling to Fill Eysuvis

There is no official FDA shortage of Eysuvis in 2026. However, your patients may report the following access barriers:

1. Pharmacy Stock Gaps

Eysuvis is brand-name only with no generic equivalent. Many chain pharmacies don't routinely stock it because prescription volumes are relatively low (patients only use it for 2-week courses). Independent pharmacies near ophthalmology practices tend to have more reliable stock. Alcon's BlinkRx home delivery platform is often the most reliable option for consistent access.

2. Prior Authorization Requirements

Many commercial plans and Medicare Part D plans require prior authorization for Eysuvis. Common PA criteria include: documented diagnosis of dry eye disease, prior trial of artificial tears or other first-line therapies, and sometimes prior trial of a generic cyclosporine. Your office's PA submission should document the clinical necessity clearly, including severity of flares and impact on patient quality of life. Having a standard PA template for Eysuvis in your practice can significantly reduce delays.

3. Formulary Placement and Step Therapy

Coverage for Eysuvis has expanded since 2021-2022, but many plans still place it on Tier 3 or Tier 4, resulting in higher copays. Some plans require step therapy — documenting that the patient has tried less expensive alternatives (OTC artificial tears, generic cyclosporine) before Eysuvis will be covered. When step therapy is required, documentation of prior treatment failures in your clinical notes will support the PA process.

4. Cost — Even With Insurance

Even with coverage, some patients face substantial out-of-pocket costs. The Alcon Patient Access Program copay card can reduce this to as little as $30 per prescription for commercially insured patients, or $79 for those without coverage. The Alcon Cares patient assistance program provides medication at no cost to qualifying low-income or uninsured patients. Directing patients to alconpatientaccessprogram.com or phone 844-373-0987 at the point of prescribing can prevent prescription abandonment.

How medfinder Can Help Your Patients

When your patients can't find Eysuvis at their usual pharmacy, they often call your office for help — adding to your team's workload. medfinder for providers is a service that calls pharmacies near a patient to check stock, then texts them the results. Recommending medfinder to patients at the point of prescribing can reduce callback volume and help patients get their medication faster.

Clinical Alternatives When Eysuvis Is Inaccessible

If a patient cannot access Eysuvis despite your support efforts, consider these alternatives based on their dry eye phenotype and severity. For the inflammatory component, off-label short-term use of other loteprednol formulations (Lotemax 0.5%, Alrex 0.2%) may provide partial relief. For long-term management, initiating Restasis or generic cyclosporine (with appropriate expectations for onset time) addresses underlying chronic inflammation. For more on the current availability landscape, see our patient-facing shortage update.

Summary: Provider Action Items for Eysuvis Access in 2026

Provide patients with the Alcon Patient Access Program information at point of prescribing (alconpatientaccessprogram.com or 844-373-0987)

Suggest BlinkRx home delivery or independent pharmacies near your clinic for reliable stock

Maintain a standard PA template for Eysuvis and document clinical necessity including flare frequency and prior therapy failures

Recommend medfinder to patients to reduce callbacks to your office about pharmacy availability

Have clinical alternatives ready for patients who cannot access Eysuvis despite support efforts