Lacrisert Shortage Update: What Patients Need to Know in 2026

Lacrisert (hydroxypropyl cellulose ophthalmic insert) has one of the longest and most frustrating shortage histories of any ophthalmic drug in the United States. Patients who depend on it for moderate to severe dry eye have endured multiple episodes of sudden unavailability over the past several years. This article provides a current 2026 status update and everything patients need to know to protect their supply.

What Is the Current Lacrisert Shortage Status in 2026?

As of 2026, Lacrisert is not on the FDA's active drug shortage list. Bausch + Lomb completed a major manufacturing recertification process and relaunched supply in the second half of 2023 following a prolonged backorder. The national supply is technically restored.

However, patients continue to report difficulty finding Lacrisert at individual pharmacies. Many retail and independent pharmacies do not routinely stock it because of low prescription volume. This means localized "pharmacy-level" shortages are common even when the manufacturer has adequate supply.

A Timeline of Lacrisert Shortage History

2020: FDA confirmed Lacrisert was in shortage as of August 2020, citing manufacturing interruptions due to COVID-19. This was part of a wave of ophthalmic drug supply disruptions caused by the pandemic.

2021–2022: Shortage continued. Patients reported multiple pharmacy backorders. Many pharmacies told patients the product was "discontinued," though Bausch + Lomb clarified it intended to continue the product.

2022–2023: Bausch + Lomb underwent FDA recertification for a new manufacturing process after the previous supplier was unable to deliver consistently. Patients were told to expect availability to return in the second half of 2023.

Late 2023: Supply reportedly resumed. The FDA removed Lacrisert from its active shortage database.

2024–2026: Lacrisert is available nationally but remains hard to find at many individual pharmacies due to inconsistent stocking practices.

Why Did the Lacrisert Shortage Last So Long?

Several factors combined to create a multi-year disruption:

Limited manufacturing infrastructure. Lacrisert's specialized ophthalmic insert format requires sterile manufacturing equipment not commonly available. When the original manufacturer encountered problems, there was no backup.

FDA recertification requirements. Shifting to a new manufacturing process required a full FDA review and approval, a lengthy process that kept the product off the market for an extended period.

Niche market economics. With only about 990 Medicare claims in 2017 (per a PMC analysis), Lacrisert is not a high-revenue product. Manufacturers operate on tight supply-demand margins, leaving little buffer when production problems arise.

No generic competition. Without an FDA-approved generic, there is no fallback product when the brand is unavailable.

What Should Lacrisert Patients Do Right Now?

Refill proactively. Don't wait until you run out. Refill your prescription with at least 2–3 weeks of supply remaining.

Identify a reliable pharmacy. Once you find a pharmacy that consistently stocks Lacrisert, stick with it and build a relationship with your pharmacist.

Ask your prescriber about backup therapies. Have a plan ready in case supply disrupts again. Your ophthalmologist or optometrist can pre-authorize a bridge therapy like Restasis or Xiidra so it is ready to fill quickly.

Use medfinder. If you can't find Lacrisert locally, medfinder calls pharmacies near you to check which ones have it in stock so you can go directly to the right place.

What If Lacrisert Goes Into Shortage Again?

Given the structural vulnerabilities — single manufacturer, no generic, niche market — future shortages cannot be ruled out. If Lacrisert becomes unavailable, your best options are:

Frequent preservative-free artificial tears or lubricating gels used multiple times daily

Prescription anti-inflammatory drops (Restasis, generic cyclosporine, Xiidra) to reduce underlying inflammation

Contact your ophthalmologist promptly for personalized guidance

For a deeper look at alternatives, see: Alternatives to Lacrisert If You Can't Fill Your Prescription and How to Find Lacrisert in Stock Near You.