Loteprednol Etabonate Shortage Update: What Patients Need to Know in 2026

If you or a family member takes Loteprednol Etabonate — the steroid eye drop sold as Lotemax, Alrex, Eysuvis, or Inveltys — you may have heard concerns about ophthalmic drug shortages and wondered whether your medication is affected. Here is the current status as of 2026.

Is Loteprednol Etabonate in Shortage in 2026?

No — Loteprednol Etabonate is not on the FDA or ASHP drug shortage list in 2026. The supply situation for this ophthalmic corticosteroid is stable. In fact, ophthalmologists and pharmacists frequently recommend Loteprednol as a readily available alternative when other eye drops like Difluprednate (Durezol) or Fluorometholone (FML) are in shortage.

However, "no formal shortage" doesn't mean every pharmacy carries every formulation. There are seven different Loteprednol Etabonate products on the market (multiple strengths and vehicle types), and availability varies by location and formulation.

Which Formulations Are Most Readily Available?

Here's a breakdown of Loteprednol Etabonate formulations by typical availability:

Generic Loteprednol 0.5% suspension: Most widely available — stocked at many chain and independent pharmacies.

Generic Loteprednol 0.5% gel: Available at many pharmacies; may require calling around.

Generic Loteprednol 0.2% suspension (Alrex equivalent): Available at many pharmacies; demand spikes during allergy season (spring/fall).

Brand Lotemax Gel, Lotemax SM (0.38%): Available but mainly at pharmacies near ophthalmology practices or via mail order; may require advance ordering.

Eysuvis (0.25% for dry eye) and Inveltys (1% post-op): Niche brand formulations with no generic; less commonly stocked, may require mail-order or specialty pharmacy.

Why Do Patients Sometimes Struggle to Find It?

Even without a formal shortage, patients report difficulty finding certain Loteprednol formulations. The main reasons are not supply-chain related:

Specialty medication stocking: Not every pharmacy stocks specialty ophthalmic drops, particularly the newer or brand-only formulations.

Multiple formulations: Seven distinct products means pharmacies carry different subsets. Finding the exact concentration and vehicle type can require searching.

Insurance coverage gaps: Brand-name formulations are often not covered by insurance, making cost a barrier that patients mistake for unavailability.

Seasonal demand surges: Alrex (0.2%) sees increased demand during spring and fall allergy seasons, which can strain local pharmacy inventory.

Historical Context: Has Loteprednol Ever Been in Shortage?

Loteprednol Etabonate has not experienced a major national shortage since its FDA approval in 1998. The drug has benefited from being available in both brand and generic forms for several formulations, maintaining supply competition. This is in contrast to Difluprednate, which has faced significant shortage issues since April 2024 due to its technically complex emulsion formulation and limited generic manufacturers.

What Should You Do If You Can't Find Your Prescription?

Use medfinder to find pharmacies near you that have your exact Loteprednol Etabonate formulation in stock. Rather than calling pharmacy after pharmacy yourself, medfinder calls on your behalf and texts you the results.

Other steps to take immediately:

Ask if your prescription allows generic substitution — generics are more widely available

Contact your surgeon's or eye doctor's preferred pharmacy

Ask an independent pharmacy to place a special order (usually arrives next business day)

Contact your prescribing provider if you're unable to fill within 24 hours, especially after eye surgery

The Bottom Line for Patients in 2026

Loteprednol Etabonate is available in 2026 — there is no formal shortage. Your challenges, if any, are likely about finding the right formulation at the right price, not about national supply constraints. Use medfinder, explore the generic, and check savings programs. For more help, see our guide on finding Loteprednol Etabonate in stock.