Azasite (Azithromycin eye drops) is hard to find in 2026 due to shortages, no generic, and rising demand. Learn why and what you can do to get it.
If you've been told you need Azasite for a bacterial eye infection or blepharitis and then discovered your pharmacy doesn't have it, you're not alone. Azasite has been one of the most difficult prescription eye drops to find for years — and in 2026, the situation hasn't gotten much easier.
Whether your doctor just wrote you a prescription or you've been using Azasite for a while and suddenly can't get a refill, this guide explains what's going on and what you can do about it.
Azasite is a brand-name prescription eye drop that contains Azithromycin 1%, a macrolide antibiotic. It's the only topical ophthalmic formulation of Azithromycin available in the United States. It's FDA-approved to treat bacterial conjunctivitis (commonly called pink eye) and is also widely used off-label for posterior blepharitis and meibomian gland dysfunction — conditions that affect the oil glands in your eyelids and can cause chronic dry eye.
What makes Azasite unique is its DuraSite delivery system, a special polymer that keeps the medication on the surface of your eye longer than regular eye drops. This means fewer doses per day — just twice daily for two days, then once daily for five days — compared to other antibiotics that may require drops four or more times a day.
For more details on how this medication works, check out our guide on how Azasite works.
There are several reasons why Azasite is consistently difficult to locate at pharmacies across the country.
As of 2026, no generic version of Azasite has been approved by the FDA. This means the brand-name product from Thea Pharma is the only option. Without generic manufacturers producing the drug, supply depends entirely on one company's production capacity. When demand spikes or manufacturing slows down, shortages follow quickly.
Azasite has changed hands multiple times. It was originally developed by Inspire Pharmaceuticals, then acquired by Merck, sold to Akorn in 2013, and when Akorn filed for bankruptcy in 2022, the product was at risk of being discontinued entirely. Thea Pharma stepped in and revived production in 2023, but rebuilding a reliable supply chain takes time. Each ownership change has caused gaps in availability.
Erythromycin ophthalmic ointment — another commonly prescribed antibiotic for eye infections — has been in its own persistent shortage. The FDA and major medical organizations have recommended that doctors use Azasite as an alternative for superficial ocular infections, reserving erythromycin for neonatal use. This sudden surge in demand has put even more pressure on Azasite's already limited supply.
Because Azasite uses a specialized DuraSite polymer delivery system, it can't be manufactured on just any production line. The specialized nature of the formulation limits how quickly production can scale up to meet increased demand.
Finding Azasite takes a bit of extra effort, but there are several strategies that can help.
The fastest way to find Azasite in stock is to use Medfinder, a free tool that helps you locate pharmacies near you that currently have your medication available. Instead of calling pharmacy after pharmacy, Medfinder does the searching for you.
Large chain pharmacies often run out of specialty medications first because they serve so many patients. Independent pharmacies and compounding pharmacies may have different supply chains and could have stock when the big chains don't.
If Azasite simply isn't available in your area, your doctor may be able to prescribe an alternative. Options include Moxifloxacin (Vigamox), Tobramycin (Tobrex), or Besifloxacin (Besivance). Each works differently, so talk to your eye doctor about what's best for your specific condition. Read more in our guide to alternatives to Azasite.
If your pharmacy doesn't have Azasite on the shelf, ask them to place a special order with their wholesaler. It may take a few days, but this is sometimes the simplest solution. Some pharmacies can also check inventory at nearby locations in their chain.
For more detailed tips, see our full guide on how to find Azasite in stock near you.
Because there is no generic, Azasite is expensive. The cash price ranges from about $205 to $260 for a single 2.5 mL bottle. Insurance may cover part of the cost, but some plans require prior authorization or step therapy — meaning your doctor may need to document that cheaper alternatives didn't work before your insurance will pay for Azasite.
Discount cards from GoodRx, SingleCare, and InsideRx may help reduce the out-of-pocket cost. Learn more in our guide to saving money on Azasite.
Azasite is a valuable medication — especially for patients with bacterial conjunctivitis, blepharitis, or meibomian gland dysfunction. But its brand-only status, complicated ownership history, and the ripple effects of other drug shortages have made it frustratingly hard to find.
The good news is that you have options. Tools like Medfinder can help you locate pharmacies with Azasite in stock, and your doctor can help you explore alternatives if needed. Don't give up — with a little persistence, most patients are able to get the treatment they need.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
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