Why Is Upneeq So Hard to Find?

If your doctor prescribed Upneeq for drooping eyelids and you've been told your pharmacy doesn't carry it, you're not alone. Upneeq (Oxymetazoline Hydrochloride ophthalmic solution, 0.1%) is the only FDA-approved prescription eye drop for acquired blepharoptosis — a condition where the upper eyelid droops and can interfere with vision and daily life. Despite being on the market since 2020, many patients struggle to find it in stock.

In this guide, we'll explain exactly why Upneeq is so hard to find and what steps you can take to get your prescription filled in 2026.

What Is Upneeq?

Upneeq is a prescription eye drop made by RVL Pharmaceuticals. It contains Oxymetazoline, an alpha-adrenergic agonist that works by stimulating Müller's muscle in the upper eyelid. This causes the muscle to contract, lifting the drooping eyelid by about 1–2 millimeters — enough to make a noticeable difference in both appearance and visual field.

The medication comes in single-use vials (0.3 mL each), packaged in boxes of 30. You apply one drop to the affected eye once daily. It is not a controlled substance and has a generally favorable safety profile. To learn more about how it works, check out our guide on Upneeq's mechanism of action.

Reason #1: Limited Distribution Model

Unlike most prescription medications that are available at any retail pharmacy, Upneeq uses a more limited distribution model. RVL Pharmaceuticals primarily distributes Upneeq through specialty pharmacies, eye care professionals, and aesthetic clinics rather than traditional chain pharmacies like CVS, Walgreens, or Walmart.

This means that even if your doctor writes you a prescription, your neighborhood pharmacy may not stock Upneeq and may not be able to order it through their usual wholesalers. This is probably the single biggest reason patients have trouble finding Upneeq.

Reason #2: It's a Specialty/Niche Medication

Upneeq treats acquired blepharoptosis — a real medical condition, but one that doesn't affect as many people as, say, high blood pressure or diabetes. Because it's a niche product, pharmacies may not see enough demand to justify keeping it on their shelves. Pharmacies make stocking decisions based on how often a drug is prescribed in their area, and a specialty eye drop like Upneeq may not make the cut at many locations.

Reason #3: Insurance and Cost Barriers

Many insurance plans do not cover Upneeq, or they classify it as a cosmetic product. Without insurance coverage, the cash price for a 30-day supply (one box of 30 single-use vials) typically ranges from $225 to $350. This price tag can make some pharmacies hesitant to stock it — if patients can't afford it, the inventory just sits on the shelf.

Even when insurance does cover Upneeq, it often requires prior authorization, meaning your doctor needs to document that your drooping eyelid is affecting your vision (not just a cosmetic concern). This extra step can delay access. For tips on reducing your costs, see our article on how to save money on Upneeq.

Reason #4: Growing Demand, Same Supply Chain

Awareness of Upneeq has been growing steadily since its FDA approval in July 2020. More eye doctors, plastic surgeons, and aesthetic providers are prescribing it. As demand increases but the distribution model remains limited, the gap between patients who want Upneeq and pharmacies that carry it gets wider.

Social media and word-of-mouth have also contributed to increased interest. Patients who see results from Upneeq share their experiences online, leading more people to ask their doctors about it. This is good news for awareness, but it can make finding Upneeq in stock even more challenging.

What You Can Do to Find Upneeq

The good news is that Upneeq is not in a formal FDA-listed shortage. It's being manufactured and shipped — you just need to know where to look. Here's what you can do:

1. Use Medfinder to Check Pharmacy Availability

Medfinder helps you search for pharmacies that have specific medications in stock near you. Instead of calling pharmacy after pharmacy, you can check availability online and save yourself hours of frustration.

2. Ask Your Doctor's Office

Many ophthalmologists and optometrists who prescribe Upneeq either stock it in their office or have relationships with specialty pharmacies that carry it. Ask your prescriber where their other patients get Upneeq filled — they may be able to point you in the right direction or even dispense it directly.

3. Try Specialty and Compounding Pharmacies

Specialty pharmacies are much more likely to carry Upneeq than your typical chain pharmacy. If there's a specialty pharmacy or an independent pharmacy that focuses on eye care medications in your area, give them a call. For more tips, read our full guide on how to find Upneeq in stock near you.

4. Look Into Telehealth Options

Several telehealth platforms now offer Upneeq consultations and can ship the medication directly to your door. This can be especially helpful if you live in a rural area or a region with limited specialty pharmacy options. Learn more in our post about finding a doctor who can prescribe Upneeq.

5. Contact the Manufacturer

RVL Pharmaceuticals has resources on their website (upneeq.com) to help patients locate providers and pharmacies that carry Upneeq. They also offer a savings program for eligible patients.

Final Thoughts

Upneeq is a genuinely effective treatment for acquired ptosis, and it can make a meaningful difference in both your vision and your quality of life. The challenge isn't that Upneeq is unavailable — it's that the distribution model doesn't make it easy to find at your local pharmacy.

By using tools like Medfinder, working with your prescriber, and exploring specialty pharmacy and telehealth options, you can get your Upneeq prescription filled without the runaround. If you're also considering other options, take a look at our article on alternatives to Upneeq.