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

If Your Pharmacy Says Restasis Is Out of Stock, You're Not Alone

You just got a prescription for Restasis — or you're trying to refill one — and your pharmacy tells you it's not available. It's frustrating, confusing, and if you're dealing with chronic dry eye, it can feel like a real setback.

The good news? Restasis hasn't disappeared. But finding it can take a little more effort than it used to. In this article, we'll explain what Restasis is, why it's sometimes hard to find, and what you can do to get your prescription filled.

What Is Restasis?

Restasis is the brand name for Cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion 0.05%, a prescription eye drop made by Allergan (now part of AbbVie). It's an immunosuppressant that works by reducing inflammation on the surface of your eye, which helps your eyes produce more tears naturally.

Restasis is FDA-approved for people whose tear production is suppressed due to inflammation associated with keratoconjunctivitis sicca — the medical term for chronic dry eye disease. It's typically prescribed by ophthalmologists and optometrists, and it's used as one drop in each eye, twice daily.

For more details on how this medication works, check out our guide on how Restasis works.

Why Is Restasis Hard to Find in 2026?

There are several reasons your pharmacy might not have Restasis on the shelf right now. Here are the most common ones:

1. The Generic Market Is Still Settling

After years of patent protection, generic versions of Cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion finally became available. While this is great news for pricing, it has created a transition period. Some pharmacies are switching from brand-name Restasis to generics, and not every distributor carries every version. This can lead to temporary gaps in availability at certain locations.

2. Insurance and Prior Authorization Hurdles

Many insurance plans now prefer generic Cyclosporine over brand-name Restasis, or they may require prior authorization before covering either option. Some plans also use step therapy, meaning you might need to try artificial tears or other treatments before your plan will approve Restasis. These hurdles can delay the process and make it seem like the drug is unavailable when it's actually an insurance issue.

3. Pharmacy Stocking Decisions

Restasis comes in single-use vials — either 30-count or 60-count boxes. It's a specialty product that not every pharmacy stocks in large quantities. Independent pharmacies and smaller chain locations may only order it when a patient requests it, which means a wait of one to two days.

4. Distribution and Supply Chain Variability

While Restasis is not currently listed on the FDA's drug shortage database, supply chain disruptions can still cause regional variability. A pharmacy in one city might have plenty of stock while another is temporarily out. Wholesaler allocation practices can also limit how much a pharmacy can order at one time.

What You Can Do to Find Restasis

If your pharmacy doesn't have Restasis, don't panic. Here are some practical steps:

Use Medfinder to Check Pharmacy Stock

Medfinder lets you search for Restasis availability at pharmacies near you in real time. Instead of calling around, you can check stock online and find a pharmacy that has it today. For a step-by-step guide, read our article on how to find Restasis in stock near you.

Ask About Generic Cyclosporine

If brand-name Restasis isn't available, ask your doctor or pharmacist about generic Cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion 0.05%. It contains the same active ingredient and is typically much cheaper — often $85 to $150 with a discount card compared to $350 to $410 for brand Restasis.

Try an Independent Pharmacy

Independent pharmacies often have more flexibility in ordering specialty medications and may be able to get Restasis or its generic faster than large chain pharmacies.

Talk to Your Doctor About Alternatives

If you can't find Restasis at all, there are other prescription options for chronic dry eye. Xiidra (Lifitegrast), Cequa (Cyclosporine 0.09%), Miebo (Perfluorohexyloctane), and Tyrvaya (Varenicline nasal spray) are all alternatives your eye doctor may consider. Learn more in our article on alternatives to Restasis.

Final Thoughts

Restasis remains an effective and widely prescribed treatment for chronic dry eye. While it's not in a formal shortage, the shift toward generics, insurance requirements, and pharmacy stocking practices can make it harder to find than you'd expect. The key is knowing your options — and tools like Medfinder can save you a lot of time and frustration.

If cost is a concern, be sure to read our guide on how to save money on Restasis in 2026.