Trifluridine eye drops can be hard to find in 2026. Learn why this antiviral medication faces shortages and what you can do to get your prescription filled.
You've been diagnosed with a herpes simplex eye infection, your doctor wrote a prescription for Trifluridine ophthalmic solution, and now your pharmacist is telling you it's out of stock. Sound familiar? You're not the only one dealing with this frustrating situation in 2026.
Trifluridine (brand name Viroptic) is a critical antiviral eye drop used to treat keratitis and keratoconjunctivitis caused by the herpes simplex virus. When you need it, you really need it — untreated herpetic eye infections can lead to scarring and even vision loss. So why is this important medication so difficult to track down?
Trifluridine is an antiviral medication that belongs to a class of drugs called nucleoside analogues. It works by inserting itself into the DNA of the herpes simplex virus, blocking the virus from replicating. It's been approved by the FDA since 1980 and remains one of the go-to treatments for herpes simplex eye infections.
The medication comes as a 1% ophthalmic solution in a 7.5 mL bottle. You typically instill one drop into the affected eye every two hours while awake (up to nine drops per day) until the corneal ulcer heals, then reduce to one drop every four hours for another seven days.
One of the biggest reasons Trifluridine is hard to find is that only a handful of companies make the generic ophthalmic solution. Manufacturers like Sandoz, Apotex, and formerly Akorn (Hi-Tech) have been the primary suppliers. When even one manufacturer experiences a production issue, it creates a ripple effect across the entire supply chain.
Trifluridine treats a relatively specific condition — herpes simplex eye infections. Because the patient population is smaller compared to blockbuster drugs, there's less financial incentive for manufacturers to ramp up production or for new companies to enter the market. This means supply stays tight even during normal times.
Trifluridine ophthalmic solution must be stored under refrigeration (36°–46°F), which adds complexity to manufacturing, distribution, and pharmacy storage. Sterile ophthalmic products also require specialized manufacturing facilities, and any contamination or quality control issues can shut down production lines for months.
Ongoing global supply chain challenges — from raw material shortages to shipping delays — continue to affect pharmaceutical manufacturing in 2026. Specialty medications like Trifluridine, with fewer suppliers and more complex storage requirements, are especially vulnerable to these disruptions.
If your pharmacy doesn't have Trifluridine in stock, don't panic. Here are some practical steps you can take:
Trifluridine shortages are frustrating, but understanding why they happen can help you plan ahead and take action. The key is to act quickly when you get your prescription — don't wait days hoping your usual pharmacy will restock.
For the most up-to-date information on finding Trifluridine in stock, visit Medfinder. You can also read our guide on how to find Trifluridine in stock near you for more tips and tools.
If shortages continue to be a problem, talk to your ophthalmologist about whether an alternative antiviral might work for your situation.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
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