Is Xdemvy in shortage in 2026? Get the latest update on Xdemvy availability, why it's hard to find, what it costs, and how to get your prescription filled.
If you've been prescribed Xdemvy (Lotilaner ophthalmic solution 0.25%) and had trouble getting it filled, you're probably wondering: is Xdemvy in shortage? The short answer is no — but the longer answer explains why so many patients think it is.
Here's everything you need to know about Xdemvy availability in 2026.
As of March 2026, Xdemvy is not on the FDA's drug shortage list. There are no reported manufacturing problems or supply disruptions from Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, the company that makes Xdemvy.
So why are patients having trouble finding it? The issue isn't a shortage — it's the way Xdemvy is distributed. Unlike most medications you can pick up at any pharmacy, Xdemvy is a limited distribution drug (LDD). This means it's only available through a network of approved specialty pharmacies, not at your regular retail pharmacy.
This distribution model creates a perceived shortage even though the drug is actually available. For a full explanation, read our article on why Xdemvy is so hard to find.
Several factors contribute to the difficulty patients experience when trying to get Xdemvy:
Xdemvy is only dispensed through select specialty pharmacies, including CVS Specialty and Walgreens Specialty. Your neighborhood drugstore cannot order or stock it. Your eye doctor needs to send the prescription to one of these approved pharmacies.
Many insurance plans require prior authorization before covering Xdemvy. This means your insurance company needs to approve the prescription before the pharmacy can dispense it — a process that can take several days to a couple of weeks.
There is currently no generic version of Lotilaner ophthalmic solution. Since Xdemvy is the only FDA-approved treatment for Demodex blepharitis, patients don't have alternative prescription options within the same drug class.
As awareness of Demodex blepharitis increases, more patients are being diagnosed and prescribed Xdemvy. The condition affects an estimated 25 million Americans, and many have been misdiagnosed with dry eye or allergies for years. As more eye care providers screen for Demodex, demand for Xdemvy continues to grow.
Cost is one of the biggest concerns for Xdemvy patients. Here's the breakdown:
Insurance coverage for Xdemvy has expanded significantly since its 2023 launch, now reaching over 85% of insured patients across commercial plans, Medicare Part D, and Medicaid. For detailed savings strategies, check out our guide to saving money on Xdemvy.
While Xdemvy remains the only FDA-approved prescription eye drop for Demodex blepharitis, the treatment landscape continues to evolve:
There are also several alternative treatments for Demodex blepharitis that your doctor may recommend, either as a substitute or complement to Xdemvy. These include tea tree oil lid scrubs, oral or topical Ivermectin, BlephEx microblepharoexfoliation, and IPL therapy. Read more about these in our alternatives to Xdemvy guide.
If you need to fill a Xdemvy prescription, here's a step-by-step approach:
For more detailed tips, read our guide on how to find Xdemvy in stock near you.
Xdemvy is not in shortage in 2026, but its limited distribution model and prior authorization requirements can make it feel that way. The good news is that access continues to improve — more insurance plans cover it, savings programs can dramatically reduce your cost, and specialty pharmacies have streamlined the fulfillment process.
If you're dealing with the itchy, crusty, irritating symptoms of Demodex blepharitis, don't let the pharmacy process discourage you from getting treatment. With the right approach, most patients can start Xdemvy within a week of being prescribed.
Use Medfinder to find Xdemvy availability near you, and explore our other resources:
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
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