How to Check If a Pharmacy Has Durezol in Stock (Without Calling)

During the ongoing Durezol (difluprednate) shortage, patients often spend hours calling pharmacies one by one — only to hear the same frustrating answer: "Sorry, we're out of stock." The good news is that there are smarter, faster ways to check inventory that don't require you to be on hold with a pharmacy phone tree.

Here's a practical guide to checking Durezol stock at pharmacies near you — with and without making phone calls.

Option 1: Use medfinder (Best Option)

The most effective way to find out which pharmacies near you have Durezol in stock is to use medfinder. medfinder contacts pharmacies on your behalf and checks availability — so you don't have to. Here's how it works:

Enter your medication (Durezol or difluprednate 0.05%), dosage, and location

medfinder contacts pharmacies in your area to check stock

You receive results telling you which pharmacies have it available

This eliminates the need to call multiple pharmacies yourself and is especially valuable during shortage conditions when stock can vary dramatically between locations.

Option 2: Use Your Pharmacy's Website or App

Some major pharmacy chains allow you to check whether a medication is in stock before going in or calling. Here's how to use each:

CVS: Log in to CVS.com or the CVS app. In some cases, you can check prescription availability by entering the medication details in your account, or use the "Refill by Mail" feature for availability estimates.

Walgreens: The Walgreens app and website allow prescription transfers and status checks, but do not show real-time inventory. You can call ahead via the app's "chat" feature.

Walmart: Walmart pharmacy locations can be checked via Walmart.com, but real-time drug inventory is not available online. You must call the specific store's pharmacy.

Reality check: Most pharmacy websites and apps do NOT show real-time drug inventory. They show whether your specific prescription is ready or if a refill is available for you — not whether the store currently has a medication on its shelves. For a shortage medication like difluprednate, calling or using medfinder is more reliable.

Option 3: Call the Pharmacy and Ask the Right Questions

If you do call, be specific. Don't just ask "do you have Durezol?" — ask:

"Do you have difluprednate ophthalmic emulsion 0.05% in stock — specifically the 5 mL bottle?"

"Do you have the generic or only brand-name Durezol?"

"Can you check if any nearby locations of your chain have it?" (Some pharmacies can check system-wide inventory)

"If it's not in stock now, when is your next expected delivery?"

Option 4: Check GoodRx for Prices + Stock Signals

While GoodRx doesn't show real-time inventory directly, it does show coupon prices at specific pharmacies near you. If a pharmacy appears on the GoodRx price list for difluprednate with a coupon price, it's a signal that they may stock it. You can then call just those pharmacies to confirm — a much shorter list than calling every pharmacy in town.

Option 5: Ask Your Ophthalmologist's Office

Eye surgery centers and ophthalmology practices deal with the difluprednate shortage regularly and often track which local pharmacies have reliable supply. Your surgeon's office or optometrist's staff may be able to point you to a pharmacy that they know currently has it in stock, saving you significant time.

Option 6: Check Hospital and Specialty Pharmacies

Hospital pharmacies affiliated with eye surgery centers often maintain a consistent supply of difluprednate because they dispense it routinely after procedures. If your surgery was performed at a hospital or surgery center with an attached pharmacy, ask if you can fill there. Some hospital pharmacies require you to be a patient of the affiliated system — ask your surgeon's office.

What to Do If Nowhere Has It in Stock

If you've exhausted these options and still can't find Durezol, contact your ophthalmologist immediately. Do not skip doses. Your doctor can prescribe a clinically appropriate alternative — such as prednisolone acetate 1% (Pred Forte) or loteprednol (Lotemax) — to bridge you until your prescription can be filled.

Learn more about your options in our guide: Alternatives to Durezol if you can't fill your prescription.