How to Check Prolensa Stock Without Picking Up the Phone

You've got your Prolensa prescription, your cataract surgery is scheduled (or just happened), and now you need to actually find the medication. The problem? Prolensa has experienced intermittent supply disruptions, and not every pharmacy keeps it on the shelf.

Calling pharmacy after pharmacy wastes time you may not have — especially when you need to start the drops the day after surgery. Here's how to check stock online and find Prolensa faster.

Why Prolensa Can Be Hard to Find

Prolensa (Bromfenac 0.07%) is a specialty ophthalmic medication with a relatively narrow patient base — it's used almost exclusively after cataract surgery. That means:

• Many pharmacies don't stock it routinely
• Brand-name Prolensa has faced supply issues related to manufacturing transitions between Bausch + Lomb and Sun Pharma
• Some pharmacies carry generic Bromfenac but not the brand

For a full breakdown of availability challenges, see our article on why Prolensa is so hard to find.

How to Check Stock Without Calling

1. Medfinder

Medfinder is built specifically for finding medications that are hard to locate. Search for Prolensa or Bromfenac, enter your zip code, and see which pharmacies near you have it in stock — including both brand and generic versions.

This is the fastest way to check multiple pharmacies at once without making a single phone call.

2. Pharmacy Chain Apps and Websites

Most major pharmacy chains let you check prescription availability or transfer prescriptions through their apps:

• CVS — Use the CVS app or cvs.com to check if a prescription can be filled at a specific location
• Walgreens — The Walgreens app shows prescription status and lets you search nearby stores
• Rite Aid — Similar online tools for prescription management
• Costco Pharmacy — You don't need a membership for the pharmacy; check availability online

While these apps don't always show real-time shelf inventory, they can tell you whether the pharmacy can fill your prescription, which is a good starting indicator.

3. GoodRx

GoodRx shows pricing at pharmacies near you, and if a pharmacy lists a price, it generally means they can order or stock the medication. It's not a direct stock checker, but it helps you identify which pharmacies in your area carry Bromfenac.

4. Ask Your Doctor's Office

Ophthalmology practices prescribe Prolensa regularly and often know which local pharmacies reliably stock it. When your doctor writes the prescription, ask: "Which pharmacy do you recommend for filling this?" They may even have samples or be able to dispense it from an in-office pharmacy.

If You Prefer to Call

Sometimes a quick phone call is still the most direct route. If you do call:

• Ask specifically for "Bromfenac 0.07% ophthalmic solution" — some pharmacy staff may not recognize the brand name Prolensa as quickly as the generic name
• Ask whether they have it in stock now vs. available to order (ordering can take 1–3 days)
• If they don't have brand Prolensa, ask about generic Bromfenac 0.07% — it's the same active ingredient at a lower cost
• Call specialty or compounding pharmacies if chain pharmacies can't help

Once You Find It

When you've located a pharmacy with Prolensa in stock:

• Transfer your prescription — if it was sent to a pharmacy that doesn't have it, most pharmacies can do a transfer with a quick call between them
• Fill it before surgery — you'll need to start Prolensa the day after your cataract procedure, so don't wait until surgery day
• Check the cost — brand Prolensa runs $250–$450 per bottle. Generic Bromfenac is $80–$200. If cost is a concern, see our guide to saving money on Prolensa
• Ask about prior authorization — many insurance plans require it for Prolensa, which can delay filling by a day or two. Your doctor's office can usually handle this

Consider Generic Bromfenac

If brand-name Prolensa is unavailable near you, generic Bromfenac 0.07% ophthalmic solution is therapeutically equivalent. It contains the same active ingredient at the same concentration, costs significantly less, and is more widely stocked. Ask your doctor if switching to the generic is an option.

For a full list of alternatives, see alternatives to Prolensa.

Final Thoughts

You shouldn't have to spend your pre-surgery days playing phone tag with pharmacies. Use Medfinder to check Prolensa availability online, ask your ophthalmologist's office for pharmacy recommendations, and always have a backup plan — whether that's generic Bromfenac or a different pharmacy location.

The most important thing is having the drops ready before your surgery date so you can start on time and get the best results from your procedure.