Latanoprost Shortage: What Providers and Prescribers Need to Know in 2026

Latanoprost 0.005% ophthalmic solution is the most commonly prescribed glaucoma medication in the United States, with over 9 million prescriptions in 2023. While no formal FDA shortage has been declared for the single-ingredient product in 2026, ophthalmologists, optometrists, and primary care prescribers are hearing from patients who cannot locate it at their usual pharmacy. This guide summarizes the current supply situation and provides actionable protocols for clinical teams.

Current Availability Status (2026)

The FDA has not placed latanoprost 0.005% on its current shortage list for the US market. Current domestic manufacturers include Bausch Health, Greenstone (Pfizer subsidiary), Rising Pharmaceuticals, and Sandoz. Akorn, formerly a significant supplier, has discontinued its latanoprost product, reducing the total number of manufacturers and increasing the impact of any individual production disruption.

Internationally, the United Kingdom activated a Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP) for the latanoprost/timolol combination product Fixapost from December 19, 2025 through February 2026, permitting pharmacist substitution. This highlights the vulnerability of combination ophthalmic products even when their individual components remain available.

Why Patients Report Difficulty Filling Latanoprost

Even without a formal shortage, patients experience local stock-outs due to:

Cold-chain distribution requirements (refrigeration before opening) that add logistical complexity

Just-in-time pharmacy ordering practices that leave insufficient buffer stock

NDC-specific insurance coverage forcing patients to locate specific manufacturers' products

Growing demand driven by an aging US population, with glaucoma prevalence increasing sharply after age 60

Clinical Impact: Why Latanoprost Interruptions Matter

Latanoprost controls IOP as long as it is used consistently. Once discontinued, IOP returns to pretreatment levels in approximately 14 days. For glaucoma patients, particularly those with advanced disease or pressures near the target threshold, even brief IOP spikes can accelerate optic nerve damage that is irreversible. Providers should treat latanoprost access issues with the same urgency as any chronic medication interruption.

Therapeutic Substitution Options

When latanoprost is unavailable, the following within-class and cross-class alternatives may be used:

Bimatoprost 0.01% or 0.03% (Lumigan): Equivalent or slightly greater IOP reduction (7–9 mmHg). More hyperemia. Generic available but more expensive than latanoprost. First choice for robust IOP control.

Travoprost 0.004% (Travatan Z): Nearly equivalent efficacy. Polyquad-preserved formulation is gentler on the ocular surface than benzalkonium chloride. Preservative-free option available. Generic available.

Tafluprost 0.0015% (Zioptan): Fully preservative-free, single-use containers. Comparable efficacy (~25–27% IOP reduction). Preferred for patients with ocular surface disease, dry eye, or benzalkonium chloride allergy.

Timolol 0.5% (Timoptic): Beta-blocker with different mechanism (reduces aqueous production). Less effective than prostaglandins as monotherapy. Contraindicated in asthma, COPD, bradycardia, and heart block. Widely available and inexpensive.

Important note: Do NOT combine two prostaglandin analogues. Combined use may paradoxically increase IOP.

Recommended Protocol for Clinical Teams

When a patient reports inability to find latanoprost, verify they have checked multiple pharmacy types (chain, independent, mail-order) before assuming a supply crisis.

Direct patients to medfinder.com/providers — a service that calls local pharmacies to locate medications for patients. This reduces calls to your office and helps patients find their medication faster.

If stock cannot be located within 24–48 hours, provide a bridge prescription for a therapeutic alternative. Document the substitution and plan an IOP check within 4–6 weeks.

Counsel patients on refilling 10–14 days early and requesting 90-day supplies to minimize future interruptions.

Document any substitution in the patient's medication record and update their active prescriptions to reflect the alternative during the bridge period.

Helping Patients Save Money on Alternatives

When prescribing alternatives, guide patients toward manufacturer savings programs and discount cards (GoodRx, SingleCare). For more detail, see our provider savings guide for latanoprost and our patient alternatives guide.