Restasis Shortage Update: What Patients Need to Know in 2026

Is Restasis in Shortage in 2026?

If you've had trouble finding Restasis at your pharmacy recently, you may be wondering: is there a Restasis shortage? The short answer is no — Restasis is not currently listed on the FDA's official drug shortage database. But that doesn't mean finding it is always easy.

Many patients are reporting difficulty getting their Restasis prescriptions filled, and there are real reasons for that. In this article, we'll break down what's happening with Restasis availability in 2026, what it costs, and what your options are.

Why Is Restasis Hard to Find Right Now?

Even without a formal shortage, several factors can make Restasis difficult to locate:

The Generic Transition

Generic Cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion 0.05% is now available from multiple manufacturers. While this has been great for lowering prices, it has also disrupted the supply chain. Some pharmacies have switched entirely to generics and no longer stock brand-name Restasis. Others are caught between suppliers, leading to intermittent gaps.

Insurance-Driven Switches

Many insurance plans now prefer — or require — generic Cyclosporine over brand Restasis. If your plan mandates generic substitution, your pharmacy may not order the brand version at all. Additionally, some plans require prior authorization or step therapy (trying artificial tears first), which can delay access.

Regional Supply Variability

Restasis availability can vary significantly by region. Pharmacies in some areas may have plenty of stock, while others are temporarily out. This is a common pattern with ophthalmic medications that come in specialty packaging like single-use vials.

For a more detailed explanation, see our article on why Restasis is so hard to find in 2026.

How Much Does Restasis Cost in 2026?

Cost remains a significant factor in Restasis availability. Here's what you can expect:

• Brand-name Restasis: $350 to $410 for a 30-day supply (60 single-use vials) without insurance
• Generic Cyclosporine 0.05%: $85 to $150 with a pharmacy discount card
• With insurance: Copays vary widely depending on your plan. Some patients pay as little as $10 to $50 per month; others face much higher costs if their plan requires brand-name or doesn't cover the drug.

For tips on reducing your costs, check out our guide on how to save money on Restasis in 2026.

New Options for Dry Eye in 2026

The dry eye treatment landscape has expanded significantly in recent years, giving patients more choices than ever:

• Xiidra (Lifitegrast): An LFA-1 antagonist eye drop that works differently than Cyclosporine
• Cequa (Cyclosporine 0.09%): A higher-concentration Cyclosporine option with improved delivery technology
• Miebo (Perfluorohexyloctane): A novel non-aqueous eye drop targeting evaporative dry eye, FDA-approved in 2023
• Tyrvaya (Varenicline): A nasal spray that stimulates tear production — no eye drops needed

These alternatives may be more readily available or better covered by your insurance. Learn more in our article on alternatives to Restasis.

How to Find Restasis in Stock

If you need Restasis specifically, here's how to locate it:

1. Use Medfinder to check real-time pharmacy availability near you
2. Call independent pharmacies — they often have more flexibility in ordering specialty medications
3. Ask about mail-order options — mail-order pharmacies typically have larger inventories
4. Request generic Cyclosporine — it may be more widely available than the brand

For a complete walkthrough, read our article on how to find Restasis in stock near you.

Final Thoughts

While Restasis is not in a formal shortage, the combination of generic market shifts, insurance changes, and supply chain dynamics means that finding it requires more effort than it used to. Stay informed, know your options, and use tools like Medfinder to take the guesswork out of finding your medication.

If you're a healthcare provider looking for clinical guidance, see our provider-focused article on what prescribers need to know about Restasis in 2026.