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

If your ophthalmologist prescribed Durezol (difluprednate ophthalmic emulsion 0.05%) and your pharmacy said it's out of stock, the instinct is to start calling every pharmacy in your area. But with an active shortage affecting generic supplies since April 2024, that can mean dozens of calls with mostly the same answer: "We don't have it."

This guide gives you a step-by-step plan to find Durezol or generic difluprednate in stock near you — quickly and without wasting hours on the phone.

Why Finding Durezol Is Harder Than Most Medications

Most common medications are easy to find because multiple manufacturers produce them and pharmacies stock them in bulk. Durezol is different for a few reasons:

It's a specialty ophthalmic emulsion — a more complex formulation than eye drop solutions or suspensions

Generic manufacturer Exelan has been on back order since April 2024, reducing overall supply

Brand-name Durezol is available but expensive ($250–$400/bottle), so patients and pharmacies prioritize the generic

Not every pharmacy stocks it routinely — it's not a high-volume drug like blood pressure medication

Step 1: Use medfinder to Find Pharmacies with Durezol in Stock

The fastest way to locate Durezol is to use medfinder. medfinder contacts pharmacies near you on your behalf to find which ones actually have Durezol or generic difluprednate available to fill your prescription. You provide your medication, dosage, and location — medfinder does the calling.

This saves you the time and frustration of calling a dozen pharmacies yourself, only to hear "out of stock" repeatedly.

Step 2: Call Independent Pharmacies and Compounding Pharmacies

Chain pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid) tend to get the most attention, but independent pharmacies often have a more flexible ordering system. They can source medications from different wholesalers and may have difluprednate when the chains don't.

Some compounding pharmacies can also prepare difluprednate 0.05% ophthalmic emulsion from bulk active ingredient, though this is more expensive and requires your ophthalmologist's approval and a specific prescription for a compounded product.

Step 3: Ask Your Pharmacy to Order It for You

If your regular pharmacy is currently out of stock but receives orders from multiple wholesalers, they may be able to place a special order. Ask specifically if they can order from secondary wholesalers like Cardinal Health, McKesson, or AmerisourceBergen. Stock levels change week to week during a shortage, so if they can get it within a few days, this may be your best option.

Step 4: Ask If Brand-Name Durezol Is Available

Brand-name Durezol (made by Novartis/Alcon) has remained generally available throughout the shortage. The problem is the price — $250 to $400 per 5 mL bottle without insurance. However:

If you have insurance, your plan may cover brand Durezol at a Tier 3 copay ($50–$100+)

The Novartis Patient Assistance Foundation offers brand Durezol at no cost to qualifying patients

GoodRx and SingleCare coupons can reduce the cash price on brand Durezol at some pharmacies

Step 5: Expand Your Search Radius

During a shortage, it sometimes helps to look beyond your immediate neighborhood. A pharmacy 15–30 miles away may have stock because it serves a different patient population or orders from a different wholesaler. If you have the means to travel, it can be worth checking pharmacies in nearby towns or suburbs.

Step 6: Talk to Your Doctor About a Bridge Alternative

If you've exhausted your options and still can't find Durezol, contact your ophthalmologist. Do not simply stop using your medication — untreated inflammation after eye surgery can cause serious complications. Your doctor can prescribe an alternative such as prednisolone acetate 1% (Pred Forte), loteprednol (Lotemax), or dexamethasone while you continue searching.

What Information Do You Need Ready When Calling?

When calling pharmacies to check stock, make sure you have:

The exact drug name: difluprednate ophthalmic emulsion 0.05%

The bottle size: 5 mL

Whether you need brand (Durezol) or generic is acceptable

Your insurance information, if applicable

For more context on the shortage, read our article on why Durezol is so hard to find in 2026.