Your Pharmacy Doesn't Have Bromfenac — Now What?

You've just had cataract surgery (or you're about to), your doctor prescribed Bromfenac eye drops, and now the pharmacy is telling you they're out of stock. It's stressful — especially when you need to start your drops quickly to manage post-surgical inflammation and pain.

The good news? Bromfenac is out there. You just need to know where and how to look. In this guide, we'll share three practical tips to help you find Bromfenac in stock near you, plus what to do if none of them work.

What Is Bromfenac and Why Do You Need It?

Bromfenac is a prescription NSAID eye drop that reduces pain and swelling after cataract surgery. It's available as a generic (0.09% solution) and under brand names like Prolensa (0.07%) and BromSite (0.075%). Your doctor prescribes it because it helps your eye heal comfortably and prevents complications like macular edema.

Most patients use Bromfenac once daily for about 14 days after surgery. Missing doses or delaying the start of treatment can affect your recovery, so finding it quickly matters.

Want to learn more about this drug? Read our overview: What is Bromfenac?

Tip 1: Use Medfinder to Check Pharmacy Stock Instantly

The fastest way to find Bromfenac near you is to use Medfinder. Instead of calling pharmacy after pharmacy, Medfinder lets you search for medication availability by location. Enter "Bromfenac" and your zip code, and you'll see which nearby pharmacies have it in stock right now.

This is especially helpful for ophthalmic medications like Bromfenac that not every pharmacy carries on a daily basis. You can see results from chain pharmacies, independent pharmacies, and even hospital outpatient pharmacies in your area.

For a step-by-step walkthrough, check out how to check if a pharmacy has Bromfenac in stock.

Tip 2: Try Independent and Specialty Pharmacies

Big chain pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens carry thousands of medications, but they don't always stock niche ophthalmic drugs like Bromfenac. Independent pharmacies — especially those located near ophthalmology clinics or eye surgery centers — are often a better bet.

Here's why:

• They serve more eye surgery patients. Pharmacies near eye clinics fill Bromfenac prescriptions regularly and keep it in stock.
• They can special-order quickly. Independent pharmacies often have more flexibility with their wholesalers and can get Bromfenac within 24 hours.
• Pharmacists know the product. Staff at these pharmacies are familiar with ophthalmic NSAIDs and can help you compare formulations or find alternatives if needed.

Ask your ophthalmologist's office which pharmacy they recommend — they often have a go-to pharmacy that reliably stocks post-surgical eye drops.

Tip 3: Plan Ahead and Time It Right

If your cataract surgery is scheduled in advance (most are), you have a huge advantage: time. Here's how to use it:

• Call your pharmacy 3-5 days before surgery and ask them to have Bromfenac ready. If they need to order it, this gives them plenty of time.
• Get your prescription sent early. Ask your surgeon's office to send the prescription to the pharmacy a few days before the procedure.
• Avoid peak times. Picking up medications on a Monday morning or right after a holiday weekend can mean longer waits and more stock issues. Try mid-week, mid-day pickups.

A little planning can turn a stressful search into a non-issue.

What If You Still Can't Find Bromfenac?

If you've tried everything above and still can't locate Bromfenac, don't panic. You have several backup options:

Ask Your Doctor About an Alternative

Your ophthalmologist can switch you to another NSAID eye drop. Common alternatives include:

• Ketorolac (Acular, Acuvail) — widely available and often less expensive
• Nepafenac (Nevanac, Ilevro) — another popular once-daily option
• Diclofenac ophthalmic — available as a generic at most pharmacies

Read our full comparison in alternatives to Bromfenac.

Use a Discount Card to Expand Your Options

Sometimes the issue isn't availability — it's cost. If a pharmacy has Bromfenac but the price is too high without insurance, discount cards from GoodRx, SingleCare, or RxSaver can bring generic Bromfenac down to $35-$75. This opens up pharmacies you might not have considered. Learn more in our savings guide.

Contact Your Insurance Company

If your insurance requires prior authorization for Bromfenac, your doctor's office can often get this approved within 24-48 hours. Ask your ophthalmologist's staff to handle the prior auth process — they do this regularly for post-surgical medications.

Final Thoughts

Finding Bromfenac doesn't have to be a headache on top of your surgery recovery. Start with Medfinder to check nearby pharmacies, consider independent pharmacies near eye clinics, and plan ahead whenever possible. If all else fails, your doctor can guide you to an effective alternative so your recovery stays on track.

For more information about why this medication can be tricky to find, read why Bromfenac is so hard to find in 2026.