How to Find Besivance in Stock Near You (Tools + Tips for 2026)

Besivance (besifloxacin) is an effective antibiotic eye drop for bacterial conjunctivitis, but filling the prescription can be frustrating. Since there is no generic version, many pharmacies keep limited stock. If your pharmacy says it's out of stock, here are the most effective strategies to find it fast.

Why Is Besivance Hard to Find at Some Pharmacies?

Besivance is a brand-name-only medication with no FDA-approved generic as of 2026. This means pharmacies stock it based on anticipated demand rather than routine volume. A single bottle runs $230–$350 at retail, so pharmacies don't over-order. When several patients need it at once, stock runs out quickly. It's not an official FDA shortage — it's a stocking and distribution challenge.

Step 1: Use medfinder to Do the Calling For You

The fastest way to find Besivance in stock is to use medfinder. You provide your medication name, dosage, and zip code. medfinder then calls pharmacies near you to check stock and texts you the results. This saves you from making 10 phone calls yourself — especially useful when you have an active eye infection.

Step 2: Call Chain Pharmacy Corporate Lines or Use Their Apps

Major chains like CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid allow pharmacy staff to check inventory at nearby locations. Call any branch and ask: "Can you check if any stores near [your zip code] have Besivance 0.6% ophthalmic suspension in stock?" If a nearby location has it, they can often transfer your prescription electronically.

Walgreens is often a good first call — it is one of the participating pharmacies in the Bausch + Lomb Access Program, making it a preferred dispensing location for Besivance.

Step 3: Try Independent Pharmacies Near Eye Care Practices

Independent pharmacies located near ophthalmology offices or optometry clinics often stock ophthalmic antibiotics more reliably than chain drugstores. If your prescribing doctor has a pharmacy they commonly refer patients to, that's usually your best bet for same-day availability.

Step 4: Ask Your Doctor to Check Their In-Office Samples

Healthcare providers can register for the Bausch Sample Vault program to receive free samples of Besivance. If your ophthalmologist or optometrist has samples on hand, they may be able to provide you with enough to start treatment immediately while you track down a full prescription.

Step 5: Consider Mail-Order or Online Pharmacies

If your infection is mild and can wait 1–2 business days, mail-order pharmacies connected to your insurance plan typically carry adequate stock. Many prescription benefits managers (PBMs) like CVS Caremark, Express Scripts, and OptumRx have reliable supply chains for brand-name specialty medications like Besivance.

Step 6: If All Else Fails, Talk to Your Prescriber About Alternatives

If Besivance is genuinely unavailable in your area and you need treatment immediately, ask your doctor about therapeutic alternatives:

Moxifloxacin (generic Vigamox): A comparable fourth-generation fluoroquinolone; generic available for $15–$40 and widely stocked at almost every pharmacy.

Ciprofloxacin ophthalmic (generic Ciloxan): A second-generation fluoroquinolone eye drop; generic is very inexpensive and universally available.

Tobramycin eye drops (generic Tobrex): An aminoglycoside antibiotic option with broad coverage, generic widely available.

Tips to Avoid This Problem in the Future

If your doctor regularly prescribes Besivance, ask them to send the prescription to a pharmacy known to stock it.

Make note of which pharmacy in your area reliably carries Besivance for future prescriptions.

Ask your pharmacist to flag your account so they can notify you when your order is ready to pick up.

The Bottom Line

Finding Besivance in stock requires a bit of legwork, but the strategies above can dramatically shorten your search. Start with medfinder or a direct call to chain pharmacies — most patients are able to locate Besivance within a few calls. If you're curious why this keeps happening, read our post on why Besivance is hard to find for more context.