Nevanac Shortage Update: What Patients Need to Know in 2026

If you've been prescribed Nevanac (nepafenac 0.1% ophthalmic suspension) ahead of cataract surgery and can't find it at your pharmacy, you may be wondering: is there a Nevanac shortage? Here's the current picture for 2026.

Is Nevanac Officially in Short Supply in 2026?

As of 2026, Nevanac is not listed as an active drug shortage by the FDA. There is no known manufacturing disruption, supply chain crisis, or regulatory hold affecting Nevanac's production or distribution. The medication is being manufactured and distributed to pharmacies nationwide.

However, many patients still report difficulty getting Nevanac filled at their local pharmacy. This disconnect between official availability and real-world patient experience is important to understand.

Why Patients Still Struggle to Find Nevanac

Several structural factors make Nevanac feel scarce even when no official shortage exists:

Brand-only status: Nevanac has no FDA-approved generic. Pharmacies must stock the brand at $329–$413 per bottle, leading many to maintain only a thin inventory or skip stocking it entirely.

Specialty demand patterns: Cataract surgery is scheduled in advance, creating burst demand. Pharmacies can quickly run through their small stock before a new shipment arrives.

Insurance barriers: Prior authorization and step therapy requirements at many insurance plans mean patients sometimes can't pick up the drug even when it's physically on the shelf.

Manufacturer transition: Nevanac was originally manufactured by Alcon and is now distributed by Harrow Eye. Brand transitions can sometimes affect local pharmacy ordering relationships.

Historical Context: Has Nevanac Had Shortages Before?

Nevanac has maintained a relatively stable supply history since its FDA approval in August 2005. It has not been subject to major FDA-flagged shortages. However, localized supply issues and pharmacy stocking inconsistencies have been reported by patients periodically, particularly in areas with high cataract surgery volume or limited pharmacy competition.

What You Should Do Right Now If You Can't Find Nevanac

Don't panic. Nevanac is not in a national shortage. The issue is likely localized to your pharmacy or region.

Call multiple pharmacies. Try large chains (CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Costco) as well as hospital and surgical center pharmacies.

Contact your surgeon's office. They may know which local pharmacy has Nevanac in stock or can issue an alternative prescription.

Use medfinder. medfinder will contact pharmacies near you to find out which ones have Nevanac in stock and can fill your prescription — results sent by text.

Ask about alternatives. Bromfenac, ketorolac, and diclofenac ophthalmic are all proven effective substitutes that may be much easier to find.

How to Stay Ahead of Availability Issues

The best way to avoid last-minute stress is to be proactive. Request your cataract surgery eye drop prescriptions as early as possible — ideally at least one week before surgery. This gives you time to address insurance prior authorizations, locate the medication, and switch to an alternative if needed without delaying your procedure.

The Bottom Line

There is no official Nevanac shortage in 2026, but real-world availability can be inconsistent due to its brand-only status, specialty demand patterns, and insurance barriers. Start your search early, use every tool available, and don't hesitate to ask your ophthalmologist about alternatives to Nevanac if you're running out of time.