Natacyn (Natamycin) is often hard to find at pharmacies. Learn why this antifungal eye drop faces supply issues and what you can do to get it in 2026.
You have a fungal eye infection, your doctor prescribed Natacyn (Natamycin), and now your pharmacy says they don't have it. Sound familiar? You're not the only patient dealing with this frustrating situation in 2026.
Natacyn is the only FDA-approved antifungal eye drop in the United States, which makes it a critical medication for thousands of patients every year. But that unique status is also part of the reason it can be so difficult to track down.
In this article, we'll explain exactly what Natacyn is, why it's hard to find, and what steps you can take to fill your prescription.
Natacyn is the brand name for Natamycin ophthalmic suspension 5%. It's a polyene antifungal medication used to treat fungal infections of the eye, including:
These infections can be caused by organisms like Fusarium, Aspergillus, Candida, and others. Natacyn works by binding to the fungal cell membrane, disrupting it and killing the fungus.
It comes as a 15 mL bottle of eye drops and is typically prescribed by ophthalmologists. Treatment usually lasts 14 to 21 days, with drops applied as frequently as every 1 to 2 hours at first.
There are several reasons why Natacyn can be difficult to locate at your local pharmacy:
Natacyn is manufactured by Alcon Laboratories, and there is currently no FDA-approved generic version of Natamycin ophthalmic suspension available in the United States. When only one company makes a drug, any production hiccup can lead to widespread shortages.
Fungal eye infections are relatively uncommon compared to bacterial ones. Because demand is low, most retail pharmacies — including large chains like CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid — don't keep Natacyn on their shelves. It's simply not a medication they stock routinely.
As a specialty ophthalmic product with limited production volume, Natacyn is especially vulnerable to supply chain disruptions. Raw material sourcing, manufacturing delays, or distribution issues can all cause temporary shortages that ripple through the pharmacy network.
Natacyn can cost between $400 and $700 per bottle without insurance. At that price, many pharmacies are hesitant to stock it without a confirmed prescription, and some patients may face sticker shock that delays filling.
If your pharmacy doesn't have Natacyn in stock, don't panic. Here are practical steps to get your medication:
Medfinder helps you search for pharmacies that have Natacyn in stock right now. Instead of calling pharmacy after pharmacy, you can check availability in your area with a single search.
Hospital-affiliated pharmacies and independent specialty pharmacies are more likely to carry or be able to order Natacyn quickly. Compounding pharmacies may also be able to prepare alternative antifungal eye drops if Natacyn is unavailable.
Many ophthalmology practices keep Natacyn in their office dispensary because they know pharmacies often don't stock it. Your doctor may be able to provide the medication directly or point you to a pharmacy that has it.
Alcon's customer service line (1-800-757-9195) may be able to help you locate a distributor or pharmacy with current stock.
Given the high cost, make sure you explore savings options including patient assistance programs. Alcon may offer assistance for eligible patients, and organizations like NeedyMeds can help connect you with resources.
Finding Natacyn in 2026 can feel like a scavenger hunt, but understanding why it's hard to find puts you in a better position to act quickly. The key takeaways:
Fungal eye infections require prompt treatment, so don't delay. Start your search today and talk to your doctor about backup options in case Natacyn remains unavailable in your area.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
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