Prolensa in 2026: What's Going On with Availability?

If you've recently tried to fill a prescription for Prolensa (Bromfenac 0.07% ophthalmic solution) and came up empty-handed, you're probably wondering: is there a Prolensa shortage?

The short answer is that Prolensa has experienced intermittent supply disruptions that have made it difficult for patients to find at their local pharmacies. While it may not always appear on the FDA's official drug shortage list, the real-world experience for patients — especially those recovering from cataract surgery — has been one of frustration and uncertainty.

Here's everything you need to know about the Prolensa supply situation in 2026.

Is Prolensa Still in Shortage?

As of early 2026, Prolensa availability remains inconsistent. Some pharmacies have it in stock; many don't. The situation varies by region and can change week to week.

The brand-name product has been affected by manufacturing and distribution changes related to the Bausch + Lomb / Sun Pharmaceutical Industries transition. Sterile ophthalmic products like Prolensa require specialized manufacturing environments, and any disruption in production can have outsized effects on supply.

The important thing to know: Prolensa is not discontinued. It's still being manufactured and distributed, but supply hasn't consistently met demand at the pharmacy level.

Why Has Prolensa Been Hard to Find?

Several factors have contributed to Prolensa's availability challenges:

• Manufacturing complexity: Sterile eye drop production requires clean rooms and strict quality controls. Even minor facility issues can delay batches.
• Distribution transitions: Changes in the pharmaceutical supply chain between Bausch + Lomb and Sun Pharma have affected distribution patterns.
• Low pharmacy stocking: Because Prolensa is a specialty medication used for a short 14-day course after cataract surgery, many retail pharmacies don't keep it in their regular inventory.
• Insurance barriers: Prior authorization and step therapy requirements mean some prescriptions take longer to process, affecting demand predictability for pharmacies.

For a deeper look, read our article on why Prolensa is so hard to find in 2026.

How Much Does Prolensa Cost in 2026?

Cost remains a significant factor for Prolensa patients:

• Brand Prolensa: Approximately $250–$450 per bottle without insurance
• Generic Bromfenac 0.07%: Approximately $80–$200 per bottle without insurance
• With insurance: Co-pays vary widely, typically $30–$75 for preferred brands; higher if Prolensa is on a non-preferred tier

Many insurance plans require step therapy — meaning they want you to try a cheaper NSAID eye drop (like generic Ketorolac at $15–$50) before they'll cover Prolensa. This can be frustrating when your surgeon specifically chose Prolensa for its once-daily convenience.

For tips on reducing your costs, see our guide on how to save money on Prolensa.

Are There New Options in 2026?

Yes. The availability of generic Bromfenac 0.07% has been a meaningful development for patients. The generic offers:

• The same active ingredient and concentration as Prolensa
• The same once-daily dosing schedule
• Significantly lower cost
• Often better availability than the brand-name product

Additionally, other ophthalmic NSAIDs remain available as alternatives. Read more about your options in our guide to Prolensa alternatives.

How to Find Prolensa in Stock Right Now

If you need Prolensa and your pharmacy doesn't have it, here's what to do:

1. Search on Medfinder: Check real-time pharmacy stock near you by searching for Prolensa or Bromfenac 0.07%.
2. Call independent pharmacies: Specialty and independent pharmacies often have better access to ophthalmic medications.
3. Ask about next-day ordering: Even if a pharmacy doesn't have it now, they may be able to order it from their wholesaler for next-day pickup.
4. Contact your surgeon's office: They may have samples or know which local pharmacies typically carry it.
5. Consider generic Bromfenac: If brand Prolensa is unavailable, the generic is therapeutically equivalent and often easier to find.

For more detailed strategies, check out our guide on how to find Prolensa in stock near you.

Final Thoughts

The Prolensa supply situation in 2026 is frustrating but manageable. The medication isn't discontinued — it's just not consistently available at every pharmacy. Generic Bromfenac has helped bridge the gap, and other NSAID eye drop alternatives exist if you need them.

The most important thing is to not delay your post-cataract surgery treatment. If you can't find Prolensa, act quickly: use Medfinder, ask about generics, and contact your ophthalmologist. There's always a path to getting the anti-inflammatory eye drops you need for a healthy recovery.