Your Pharmacy Said "Out of Stock" — Now What?

You've just had cataract surgery, your doctor prescribed Prolensa (Bromfenac 0.07%), and the clock is ticking. You need to start your eye drops the day after surgery — but your pharmacy doesn't have it. Don't panic. Finding Prolensa in stock is absolutely doable if you know where to look and what tools to use.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the most effective strategies for tracking down Prolensa near you in 2026.

Why Prolensa Can Be Hard to Find

Before we get into solutions, it helps to understand why you're in this situation. Prolensa is a specialty ophthalmic NSAID that not every pharmacy stocks routinely. It's used for a specific window — 14 days after cataract surgery — so demand is lower than everyday medications. Combine that with supply chain disruptions and insurance requirements, and you've got a recipe for empty shelves.

The good news? Prolensa is out there. You just need the right approach.

Tip #1: Use Medfinder to Search Real-Time Pharmacy Stock

The single best tool for finding Prolensa in stock is Medfinder. Here's how it works:

• Go to medfinder.com
• Search for "Prolensa" or "Bromfenac 0.07%"
• Enter your zip code
• See which pharmacies near you currently have it available

Medfinder saves you the time and frustration of calling pharmacy after pharmacy. Instead of spending your post-surgery recovery on the phone, you get real-time stock information at your fingertips.

This is especially valuable for Prolensa because availability can vary widely from one pharmacy to the next, even within the same city.

Tip #2: Check Independent and Specialty Pharmacies

Big chain pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid) are convenient, but they're not always the best option for specialty eye medications. Here's why independent pharmacies can be a better bet:

• More flexible ordering: Independent pharmacies often have relationships with multiple wholesalers and can special-order medications more easily.
• Specialty focus: Some independent pharmacies specialize in ophthalmology medications or serve patients from nearby eye surgery centers.
• Personal service: A pharmacist at an independent pharmacy is more likely to make a few extra calls on your behalf to track down Prolensa.

Also consider hospital-affiliated pharmacies near your surgery center. These pharmacies often stock post-cataract surgery medications like Prolensa as a matter of routine.

Compounding Pharmacies

In rare cases, a compounding pharmacy may be able to prepare a Bromfenac solution if the manufactured product is unavailable. This requires a specific prescription from your doctor, but it's worth knowing about as a last resort.

Tip #3: Time Your Prescription Strategically

Timing can make a real difference when it comes to finding Prolensa:

• Fill before surgery: Ask your ophthalmologist for your post-operative prescription during your pre-surgery visit. This gives you days or even weeks to find it before you actually need it.
• Call early in the day: Pharmacies receive deliveries in the morning. Calling early gives you the best chance of catching fresh stock.
• Try early in the week: Wholesaler deliveries often happen Monday through Wednesday. Calling later in the week may mean stock has already been claimed.
• Ask about next-day ordering: Even if a pharmacy doesn't have Prolensa right now, many can order it from their wholesaler for next-day delivery.

What If You Still Can't Find Prolensa?

If you've tried all three tips above and still can't locate Prolensa, here are your backup options:

Ask About Generic Bromfenac

Generic Bromfenac 0.07% ophthalmic solution contains the same active ingredient as Prolensa. It's often significantly cheaper and may be easier to find. Ask your pharmacist if they can substitute the generic, or have your doctor write the prescription to allow generic substitution.

Discuss Alternatives with Your Doctor

If neither brand Prolensa nor generic Bromfenac is available, your ophthalmologist can prescribe a different NSAID eye drop. Common alternatives include:

• Nevanac (Nepafenac 0.1%) — dosed three times daily
• Ilevro (Nepafenac 0.3%) — once-daily dosing like Prolensa
• Ketorolac ophthalmic (Acular LS) — generic available, dosed four times daily
• Diclofenac ophthalmic — generic available, dosed four times daily

Learn more about these options in our guide to Prolensa alternatives.

Contact the Manufacturer

Bausch + Lomb (Sun Pharmaceutical Industries) manufactures Prolensa. They may have information about current availability or be able to direct you to a pharmacy that has stock. Visit their website or call their patient support line for assistance.

Final Thoughts

Finding Prolensa after cataract surgery shouldn't be this stressful — but in 2026, it sometimes is. The key is to act early, use the right tools, and know your alternatives.

Start with Medfinder to check real-time availability. Branch out to independent and specialty pharmacies. And if Prolensa itself isn't available, talk to your doctor about generic Bromfenac or other NSAID eye drops that can get you through your recovery.

Your eye health comes first. Don't skip or delay your post-surgical medication — use these tools and tips to find what you need.