Provider Briefing: Prolensa Supply Disruptions in 2026

If your patients have been reporting difficulty filling Prolensa (Bromfenac 0.07% ophthalmic solution) prescriptions, the problem is real and ongoing. Intermittent supply disruptions have affected brand-name Prolensa availability at retail pharmacies nationwide, creating challenges for post-cataract surgery management.

This briefing covers the current state of Prolensa availability, the factors driving the shortage, clinical alternatives, and practical tools to help your patients access the medications they need.

Timeline: How We Got Here

Prolensa's supply challenges stem from several converging factors:

• Manufacturing transitions: The Bausch + Lomb / Sun Pharmaceutical Industries corporate transition has affected production and distribution of several ophthalmic products, including Prolensa.
• Sterile manufacturing constraints: Ophthalmic solutions require specialized sterile manufacturing facilities. Capacity limitations and quality control requirements make these products particularly vulnerable to supply disruptions.
• Generic market entry: The launch of generic Bromfenac 0.07% has shifted some manufacturing and distribution dynamics, with brand-name Prolensa production potentially being deprioritized.
• Wholesaler allocation: During periods of limited supply, wholesalers may implement allocation protocols that restrict individual pharmacy ordering quantities.

These factors have created a situation where Prolensa is not discontinued but is inconsistently available across pharmacy channels.

Prescribing Implications

The Prolensa shortage affects clinical decision-making in several important ways:

Post-Operative Timing Pressure

Prolensa is typically initiated one day post-cataract extraction. Unlike chronic medications where a brief delay is manageable, post-surgical anti-inflammatory therapy is time-sensitive. Patients who cannot fill their prescription on schedule face increased risk of:

• Postoperative inflammation and discomfort
• Cystoid macular edema (CME)
• Delayed visual recovery

Prior Authorization Delays

Many payers require prior authorization or step therapy for brand Prolensa, requiring documentation that the patient has tried or cannot tolerate generic alternatives (typically Ketorolac ophthalmic). In the context of acute post-surgical need, these administrative delays compound the availability problem.

Patient Communication

Patients who are told their prescribed medication is unavailable may experience anxiety, especially during post-surgical recovery. Proactive communication about backup plans and alternatives can significantly reduce patient distress and improve adherence.

Current Availability Picture

As of early 2026, the availability landscape looks like this:

• Brand Prolensa: Inconsistently stocked at retail chains; better availability at specialty and independent pharmacies
• Generic Bromfenac 0.07%: Generally more available than the brand product; multiple generic manufacturers
• Ilevro (Nepafenac 0.3%): Available; once-daily dosing alternative
• Ketorolac ophthalmic (generic): Widely available; lowest cost option
• Diclofenac ophthalmic (generic): Widely available; affordable

Providers can direct patients to Medfinder for Providers to check real-time pharmacy availability before writing prescriptions.

Cost and Access Considerations

Pricing context for your patients:

• Brand Prolensa (cash): $250–$450 per bottle
• Generic Bromfenac 0.07% (cash): $80–$200 per bottle
• Generic Ketorolac ophthalmic (cash): $15–$50 per bottle
• Generic Diclofenac ophthalmic (cash): $20–$60 per bottle

For patients with financial hardship, the Bausch + Lomb patient assistance program may cover eligible uninsured or underinsured patients. Discount card programs (SingleCare, GoodRx) can reduce generic Bromfenac costs. More details are available in our provider's guide to helping patients save on Prolensa.

Clinical Alternatives: A Quick Reference

When Prolensa is unavailable, consider these substitutions based on clinical priorities:

If Once-Daily Dosing Is Important

• Generic Bromfenac 0.07% — same molecule, same dosing, lower cost
• Ilevro (Nepafenac 0.3%) — once daily, starts day before surgery

If Cost Is the Primary Concern

• Ketorolac ophthalmic 0.5% (generic) — $15–$50, four times daily
• Diclofenac ophthalmic 0.1% (generic) — $20–$60, four times daily

If the Patient Has Failed Step Therapy

Document the clinical rationale for Bromfenac specifically (once-daily adherence advantage, tolerability profile) and submit a thorough prior authorization. Many payers will approve brand Prolensa or generic Bromfenac with adequate documentation of medical necessity.

Tools and Resources for Your Practice

• Medfinder for Providers: Real-time pharmacy stock lookup. Share with patients or use in-office to identify pharmacies with Prolensa or Bromfenac in stock before the patient leaves.
• Pre-surgical prescription workflow: Consider sending post-operative prescriptions at the pre-op visit to give patients time to locate and fill medications before surgery day.
• Office sample stock: Maintaining a small supply of Prolensa or Bromfenac samples can bridge the gap for patients who have immediate post-operative need.
• Pharmacy partnerships: Establish relationships with one or two local pharmacies that reliably stock ophthalmic NSAIDs and direct patients to them.

Looking Ahead

The Prolensa supply situation is expected to stabilize as generic Bromfenac manufacturing scales up and distribution channels normalize. However, brand-name Prolensa may remain inconsistently available as the market shifts toward generics.

For ophthalmology practices, the practical approach is to:

1. Default to prescribing generic Bromfenac 0.07% when possible (better availability and lower patient cost)
2. Maintain familiarity with alternative NSAID options across dosing schedules
3. Integrate pharmacy availability checking (via Medfinder) into pre-surgical workflows
4. Proactively communicate contingency plans to patients at the pre-op visit

Final Thoughts

The Prolensa shortage is a manageable challenge with the right preparation. Generic Bromfenac provides a therapeutically equivalent once-daily option that is more available and affordable. For patients who need alternatives, Ketorolac and Diclofenac generics offer proven efficacy at low cost, albeit with less convenient dosing.

By integrating availability checking into your workflow and communicating proactively with patients, you can minimize disruptions to post-operative care. Visit Medfinder for Providers for real-time tools to support your practice.

For a practical step-by-step workflow, see our provider's guide to helping patients find Prolensa.