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

If You Can't Find Difluprednate, You're Not Alone

You just had eye surgery — or maybe you're managing uveitis — and your doctor prescribed Difluprednate eye drops. You head to the pharmacy, only to hear those dreaded words: "We don't have it in stock."

If this sounds familiar, you're far from alone. Difluprednate, sold under the brand name Durezol, has been increasingly difficult to find since early 2024. Patients across the country have been scrambling to locate pharmacies that carry it, sometimes calling dozens of stores before finding a single bottle.

In this guide, we'll explain exactly what Difluprednate is, why it's been so hard to find, and — most importantly — what you can do about it.

What Is Difluprednate?

Difluprednate is a prescription ophthalmic corticosteroid — a steroid eye drop used to reduce inflammation and pain in the eye. It's available as a 0.05% ophthalmic emulsion in a 5 mL bottle.

The FDA has approved Difluprednate for two main uses:

• Post-surgical eye inflammation and pain — typically after cataract surgery or other ocular procedures
• Endogenous anterior uveitis — a type of inflammation inside the eye

Difluprednate is considered one of the most potent ophthalmic steroids available. Ophthalmologists often prefer it because of its strong anti-inflammatory action and its unique emulsion formulation, which doesn't require shaking as vigorously as suspension-based drops like Prednisolone Acetate.

For patients recovering from eye surgery or dealing with uveitis flares, Difluprednate can be essential for preventing complications and preserving vision.

Why Is Difluprednate So Hard to Find in 2026?

There are several factors working together to make Difluprednate scarce. Here are the main reasons:

1. An Ongoing Generic Manufacturer Shortage

The biggest factor is a supply chain disruption that started in April 2024. Exelan, one of the key generic manufacturers of Difluprednate 0.05%, placed its 5 mL bottles on long-term back order with no estimated release date. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) has tracked this shortage since it began, and as of early 2026, the situation remains unresolved.

When a generic manufacturer goes offline, it puts enormous pressure on the remaining suppliers and on the brand-name product.

2. Limited Number of Manufacturers

Unlike common medications with dozens of generic makers, Difluprednate is a specialized ophthalmic emulsion that's difficult to manufacture. The formulation requires precise emulsification with castor oil and other inactive ingredients, making it harder for new manufacturers to enter the market quickly.

Dr. Reddy's Laboratories launched a generic version, but limited production capacity means supply still can't fully meet demand.

3. High Demand From Surgical Volume

Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed procedures in the United States, with over 4 million surgeries per year. Many ophthalmologists prescribe Difluprednate as their go-to post-operative anti-inflammatory drop. That's a lot of demand concentrated on a single medication.

4. Brand-Name Pricing Creates Barriers

When the generic is unavailable, patients are pushed toward brand-name Durezol, which can cost $250 to $400 per bottle without insurance. Even with insurance, high copays on branded ophthalmic drugs can make it unaffordable, leading some patients to delay or skip treatment — which is especially dangerous after eye surgery.

What You Can Do If You Can't Find Difluprednate

Don't panic. There are practical steps you can take right now:

Use Medfinder to Check Pharmacy Availability

Medfinder helps you search for pharmacies that currently have Difluprednate in stock near your location. Instead of calling pharmacy after pharmacy, you can check availability in seconds. Learn more about finding Difluprednate in stock near you.

Ask About Alternatives

If Difluprednate truly isn't available anywhere near you, talk to your ophthalmologist about alternative corticosteroid eye drops. Options like Prednisolone Acetate (Pred Forte), Loteprednol Etabonate (Lotemax), or Dexamethasone (Maxidex) may be appropriate depending on your condition.

Try Independent or Specialty Pharmacies

Chain pharmacies often run out of shortage medications first. Independent pharmacies and compounding pharmacies may have better stock because they source from different wholesalers. Specialty ophthalmic pharmacies can also be a good resource.

Look Into Savings Programs

If cost is the barrier, there are options. Coupons and patient assistance programs can bring the price down significantly. Generic Difluprednate can be found for as low as $43 to $49 with a discount card from GoodRx or SingleCare.

Final Thoughts

The Difluprednate shortage is frustrating, especially when you need the medication for something as important as your eye health. But understanding why it's hard to find is the first step toward finding a solution.

The shortage stems from manufacturing disruptions, limited producers, high surgical demand, and pricing barriers. While we wait for supply to stabilize, tools like Medfinder can help you locate available stock, and your eye doctor can work with you on alternatives if needed.

Stay informed by checking our Difluprednate shortage update for 2026 for the latest developments.