Why Is Cosopt So Hard to Find? [Explained for 2026]

Updated:

February 17, 2026

Author:

Peter Daggett

Summarize this blog with AI:

Having trouble finding Cosopt eye drops at your pharmacy? Learn why Cosopt is hard to find in 2026, what's causing supply issues, and what you can do.

If Your Pharmacy Keeps Telling You Cosopt Is Out of Stock, You're Not Alone

You rely on Cosopt to manage your glaucoma or ocular hypertension. But lately, every time you try to pick up your prescription, the pharmacist tells you it's unavailable. You're left wondering: why is Cosopt so hard to find?

The truth is, supply disruptions for Cosopt and its generic equivalent, Dorzolamide/Timolol, have been an ongoing challenge. In this article, we'll explain what Cosopt is, why it can be difficult to find, and — most importantly — what you can do about it.

What Is Cosopt?

Cosopt is a prescription eye drop that combines two active ingredients: Dorzolamide (a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor) and Timolol (a beta-blocker). Together, these medications work to lower the pressure inside your eye by reducing the amount of fluid (aqueous humor) your eye produces.

Cosopt is FDA-approved for treating open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension in patients who need more than one medication to control their eye pressure. It comes as a standard ophthalmic solution (10 mL bottle) and a preservative-free version called Cosopt PF.

If you want to learn more about how this medication works, check out our guide on how Cosopt works.

Why Is Cosopt Hard to Find in 2026?

There are several reasons why you might be having trouble filling your Cosopt prescription right now.

1. Generic Manufacturer Consolidation

The generic version of Cosopt — Dorzolamide/Timolol — used to be made by multiple companies. However, one of the largest generic manufacturers, Akorn, went bankrupt in 2023. This reduced the number of suppliers making the product, which means any disruption at a remaining manufacturer can ripple across the entire supply chain.

2. Recurring Manufacturing Delays

Cosopt and its generics have a history of manufacturing delays. Bausch Health and other producers have experienced production setbacks. Ophthalmic solutions require strict sterile manufacturing conditions, and any quality control issue can halt production for weeks or months.

3. Distribution and Inventory Challenges

Even when Cosopt is being manufactured, it doesn't always reach every pharmacy evenly. Large chain pharmacies may receive priority shipments, while smaller or independent pharmacies can face longer waits. If your pharmacy uses a specific wholesaler that's running low, you'll feel the pinch.

4. Demand for Glaucoma Treatments Is Rising

Glaucoma affects over 3 million Americans, and that number is growing as the population ages. As more patients need intraocular pressure-lowering medications, demand for affordable options like generic Dorzolamide/Timolol increases. When demand outpaces supply, shortages happen.

What You Can Do If You Can't Find Cosopt

If your pharmacy doesn't have Cosopt or its generic in stock, don't panic. Here are some practical steps:

Use Medfinder to Check Availability

The fastest way to find Cosopt in stock near you is to use Medfinder. It searches pharmacy inventories in real time so you can see which locations have your medication available right now.

Call Independent Pharmacies

Independent pharmacies often have access to different wholesalers than chain stores. They may have Dorzolamide/Timolol in stock when the big chains don't. It's worth making a few calls.

Ask About the Preservative-Free Version

If the standard Cosopt solution is unavailable, ask your doctor about Cosopt PF (preservative-free). It's the same medication in single-use vials. Sometimes one formulation is in stock when the other isn't.

Talk to Your Doctor About Alternatives

If you simply cannot find Cosopt, your eye doctor may be able to switch you to an alternative combination drop. Options include Combigan (Brimonidine/Timolol) or Simbrinza (Brinzolamide/Brimonidine). You can also use Dorzolamide and Timolol as separate drops. Learn more in our article on alternatives to Cosopt.

Don't Skip Doses

Glaucoma damage is permanent and painless — you won't feel the pressure building up. Missing doses of your eye drops can allow your eye pressure to rise, increasing the risk of vision loss. If you're running low, act quickly to find a refill or get a temporary alternative from your doctor.

Final Thoughts

Cosopt supply issues can be frustrating, especially when your vision depends on consistent treatment. The good news is that generic Dorzolamide/Timolol is still being manufactured by several companies, and availability is generally improving. By staying proactive — checking Medfinder, exploring different pharmacies, and keeping your doctor informed — you can stay on top of your treatment.

For more tips, read our guide on how to find Cosopt in stock near you, or check the latest Cosopt shortage update for 2026.

Is Cosopt currently on the FDA drug shortage list?

As of early 2026, Cosopt and generic Dorzolamide/Timolol are not on the FDA's official drug shortage list. However, sporadic availability issues can still occur at individual pharmacies due to manufacturer consolidation and distribution challenges.

Can I use the generic version of Cosopt instead of the brand?

Yes. Generic Dorzolamide/Timolol is therapeutically equivalent to brand-name Cosopt and is significantly cheaper — as low as $10 to $25 with a discount coupon compared to $140 to $220 for the brand. Ask your pharmacist about substituting the generic.

What should I do if I run out of Cosopt and can't find it anywhere?

Contact your eye doctor immediately. They may prescribe the two ingredients (Dorzolamide and Timolol) as separate eye drops, or switch you to an alternative like Combigan or Simbrinza. Do not stop treatment without medical guidance, as uncontrolled eye pressure can cause permanent vision loss.

How can I check if a pharmacy near me has Cosopt in stock?

Use Medfinder at medfinder.com to search pharmacy inventories in real time. You can also call pharmacies directly — try both chain and independent locations, as they often use different wholesale suppliers.

Why waste time calling, coordinating, and hunting?

You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.

Try Medfinder Concierge Free

Medfinder's mission is to ensure every patient gets access to the medications they need. We believe this begins with trustworthy information. Our core values guide everything we do, including the standards that shape the accuracy, transparency, and quality of our content. We’re committed to delivering information that’s evidence-based, regularly updated, and easy to understand. For more details on our editorial process, see here.

25,000+ have already found their meds with Medfinder.

Start your search today.
99% success rate
Fast-turnaround time
Never call another pharmacy