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

If you rely on Lacrisert to manage moderate to severe dry eye, you are probably familiar with the frustration of calling multiple pharmacies only to be told it is on backorder or simply not carried. You are not alone. Lacrisert has one of the most troubled supply histories of any ophthalmic medication in the United States, and patients have reported recurring stockouts for years. This article explains why Lacrisert is so hard to find, what has driven those shortages, and what you can do right now to get your prescription filled.

What Is Lacrisert and Why Do Patients Depend on It?

Lacrisert is a sterile, translucent, rod-shaped ophthalmic insert made of hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC), a water-soluble polymer. Each insert contains 5 mg of HPC and is placed once daily into the inferior cul-de-sac — the space between the lower eyelid and the eyeball — using a supplied applicator. Unlike artificial tear drops that evaporate quickly, Lacrisert dissolves slowly over the course of the day, thickening and stabilizing the tear film for sustained lubrication.

The FDA approved Lacrisert for moderate to severe dry eye syndromes, exposure keratitis, decreased corneal sensitivity, and recurrent corneal erosions. For many patients with Sjögren's syndrome, severe aqueous-deficient dry eye, or post-surgical dry eye, Lacrisert is the only therapy that provides adequate all-day relief. Patient reviews on Drugs.com give the medication an average rating of 8.0 out of 10, with 73% of patients reporting a positive experience — and many describing it as a "godsend."

Why Has Lacrisert Been in Shortage So Many Times?

Lacrisert has suffered from chronic, intermittent shortages for over a decade. Here are the key reasons:

Single-source manufacturing. Lacrisert is manufactured by a limited number of facilities. When one supplier experiences problems, there is no backup manufacturer ready to fill the gap quickly.

COVID-19 disruptions (2020). The FDA confirmed Lacrisert was in shortage as of August 2020, citing manufacturing interruptions due to COVID-19. This was part of a broader wave of ophthalmic drug shortages.

Manufacturing recertification (2021–2023). After acquiring Lacrisert, Bausch + Lomb needed to recertify with the FDA under a new manufacturing process after the previous supplier was unable to deliver consistently. This process extended the backorder into late 2023.

Low market volume. Lacrisert has relatively low prescription volume compared to other dry eye therapies — only 990 Medicare claims were recorded in 2017, according to a PMC study. Low sales volume means manufacturers operate on a strict supply-demand model with minimal safety stock.

No approved generic alternative. There is no FDA-approved generic version of Lacrisert. When the brand is unavailable, there is no substitute pharmaceutical product patients can switch to at the pharmacy level.

What Is the Lacrisert Supply Situation in 2026?

As of 2026, Lacrisert is not listed on the FDA's active drug shortage database, which is a positive sign. Bausch + Lomb completed its manufacturing recertification and relaunched supply in the second half of 2023. However, "not in shortage" does not mean "easy to find." Many independent and chain pharmacies do not stock Lacrisert regularly because of low demand and the product's difficult history. This means patients often encounter empty shelves even when the national supply is technically adequate.

Patients in rural areas, those who rely on smaller independent pharmacies, and those whose usual pharmacy discontinued stocking the product are most likely to struggle. The product is typically available through specialty mail-order pharmacies and select large retail chains.

How Do I Know If My Pharmacy Has Lacrisert in Stock?

Most patients default to calling pharmacies one by one — a time-consuming and frustrating process. There are better approaches:

Use medfinder. medfinder calls pharmacies on your behalf to check which ones can fill your Lacrisert prescription. You provide your medication, dosage, and zip code, and medfinder handles the calling and texts you the results.

Ask your doctor to call ahead. Ophthalmologists and optometrists who regularly prescribe Lacrisert often have a working relationship with a pharmacist who reliably stocks it.

Consider mail-order pharmacies. Specialty mail-order pharmacies often have better supply than brick-and-mortar stores for niche medications like Lacrisert. Check with your insurer about approved mail-order options.

Contact Bausch + Lomb directly. Calling 1-800-323-0000 can help you locate an authorized distributor or pharmacy in your area.

What Should I Do While Lacrisert Is Unavailable?

If you cannot locate Lacrisert, talk to your ophthalmologist or optometrist about temporary alternatives. Prescription therapies like Restasis (cyclosporine 0.05%), Xiidra (lifitegrast 5%), or Cequa (cyclosporine 0.09%) work via different mechanisms — they reduce ocular surface inflammation and stimulate tear production rather than directly supplementing the tear film. Preservative-free artificial tears used frequently throughout the day can also provide partial relief while you search for Lacrisert.

See our related guides for more detail:

Alternatives to Lacrisert If You Can't Fill Your Prescription

How to Find Lacrisert in Stock Near You (Tools + Tips)

Will Lacrisert Keep Having Shortages in the Future?

The risk of future shortages remains real. Lacrisert's niche market position, dependence on a limited number of manufacturing sources, and lack of a generic equivalent all create structural vulnerabilities. However, Bausch + Lomb's investment in a new, FDA-recertified manufacturing process is a positive development. Patients who depend on Lacrisert should maintain at least a 30-day backup supply when possible and communicate proactively with their prescriber so alternatives can be initiated quickly if supply disruptions recur.

The Bottom Line

Lacrisert is hard to find because of a combination of limited manufacturing, no generic alternative, and a small but deeply dependent patient population. The national shortage appears resolved for now, but localized pharmacy stockouts remain common. The fastest way to find a pharmacy with Lacrisert in stock is to use medfinder, which calls pharmacies near you so you don't have to.