Besifloxacin (Besivance) can be hard to find at pharmacies. Learn why this eye drop is difficult to locate and what you can do to get your prescription filled.
You've got a prescription for Besifloxacin eye drops — sold under the brand name Besivance — and your pharmacy says they don't have it. Now you're calling around, feeling frustrated, and wondering why such a basic eye infection medication is so difficult to track down.
The truth is, Besifloxacin availability has been a growing problem in 2026. Whether you're dealing with shortage-related issues or simply can't find a pharmacy that stocks it, there are real reasons behind the difficulty — and real solutions you can try today.
Besifloxacin is a fourth-generation fluoroquinolone antibiotic available as an ophthalmic suspension (eye drops) at a concentration of 0.6%. It's sold exclusively under the brand name Besivance, manufactured by Bausch + Lomb.
Doctors prescribe Besifloxacin to treat bacterial conjunctivitis — commonly known as pinkeye. It works by targeting two key enzymes in bacteria (DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV), which stops bacteria from replicating and effectively kills the infection.
The typical treatment involves placing one drop in the affected eye three times daily for seven days. It's FDA-approved for patients aged one year and older. For more details about how this medication works, check out our guide on Besifloxacin's mechanism of action.
There are several reasons you might be having trouble finding Besifloxacin at your local pharmacy. Here are the most common factors:
As of 2026, there is no generic version of Besifloxacin. The only product on the market is Besivance, made by Bausch + Lomb. When a drug has only one manufacturer and no generic competition, any disruption in production or distribution can cause widespread availability problems.
Generic versions of other fluoroquinolone eye drops — like Moxifloxacin (Vigamox) or Ciprofloxacin (Ciloxan) — are widely available, which makes them easier for pharmacies to stock. Besifloxacin doesn't have that advantage.
Because Besivance is a brand-name specialty eye drop with a cash price of $130 to $300 per bottle, many pharmacies — especially large chains — may not keep it regularly in stock. They often order it only when a specific prescription comes in, which can create delays of one to three business days.
Independent pharmacies and specialty eye care pharmacies may be more likely to carry it, but availability varies significantly by region.
Many insurance plans require prior authorization or step therapy before covering Besivance. Step therapy means your insurer may require you to try a cheaper, generic fluoroquinolone first — such as generic Moxifloxacin or Ciprofloxacin eye drops — before they'll approve Besifloxacin.
This doesn't just affect cost; it can also affect whether your pharmacy bothers to order it. If insurers frequently reject Besivance claims, pharmacies may reduce how much they stock.
With Bausch + Lomb as the sole manufacturer, any production issue — whether it's raw material sourcing, manufacturing delays, or distribution bottlenecks — can ripple across the entire supply chain. While Besifloxacin is not currently on the FDA's official drug shortage list, intermittent supply disruptions have been reported in some regions.
If you're struggling to locate Besifloxacin, here are some practical steps:
Medfinder helps you search for pharmacies near you that have Besifloxacin in stock right now. Instead of calling pharmacy after pharmacy, you can check availability online and save yourself hours of frustration.
Large chain pharmacies may not stock Besivance routinely, but independent pharmacies and eye care specialty pharmacies often have better access to ophthalmic medications. Ask your eye doctor's office for recommendations — they often know which local pharmacies carry it.
If you genuinely can't find Besifloxacin, your doctor may be able to prescribe an alternative fluoroquinolone eye drop like Moxifloxacin (Vigamox), Ofloxacin (Ocuflox), or Ciprofloxacin (Ciloxan). These are available as generics and are much easier to find.
If cost is a barrier, the Bausch + Lomb Access Program may help. Commercially insured patients may pay as little as $25 per prescription, and cash-paying patients may pay no more than $69. Learn more in our guide on how to save money on Besifloxacin.
Finding Besifloxacin in 2026 can feel like a scavenger hunt, but understanding why it's hard to find puts you in a better position to solve the problem. The combination of brand-name exclusivity, limited pharmacy stocking, insurance hurdles, and a single-manufacturer supply chain all contribute to the difficulty.
Your best bets are using a tool like Medfinder to locate pharmacies with stock, trying independent pharmacies, exploring savings programs, and — if needed — discussing alternative medications with your doctor.
Don't let a supply issue delay treatment for your eye infection. Bacterial conjunctivitis needs prompt treatment to prevent complications and reduce the spread of infection.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
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