Zirgan Shortage Update: What Patients Need to Know in 2026

If you've been searching for Zirgan (ganciclovir ophthalmic gel 0.15%) and can't find it at your local pharmacy, you're probably wondering: is there a shortage? The short answer is: not officially — but availability is still limited, and patients routinely face difficulty filling this prescription.

Here's the full picture of Zirgan availability in 2026, why patients still struggle to find it, and what you can do.

Is Zirgan Currently on the FDA Shortage List?

As of 2026, Zirgan (ganciclovir ophthalmic gel 0.15%) is not listed as an active shortage on the FDA Drug Shortages Database. Bausch + Lomb, the current US manufacturer, has not reported a manufacturing or supply interruption.

However — and this is the key point — the absence of an official shortage listing does NOT mean the drug is easy to find at your local CVS or Walgreens. Specialty ophthalmic medications like Zirgan have their own structural availability challenges that are completely separate from FDA shortage designations.

Why Do Patients Still Struggle to Find Zirgan?

Several structural factors limit Zirgan's availability even when there is no official shortage:

Brand-only drug. Zirgan has no FDA-approved generic equivalent. Higher per-unit cost discourages routine stocking at general retail pharmacies.

Orphan drug classification. The original manufacturer received orphan drug designation for Zirgan because herpetic keratitis, while significant, has a smaller patient population than mainstream conditions.

Specialty distribution channels. Ophthalmic gel products often move through specialty pharmacy distribution networks, limiting access at standard retail pharmacies.

Low turnover at retail chains. Pharmacies stock what they sell frequently. A 5g tube of specialty ophthalmic gel doesn't move fast enough at most retail chains to justify consistent stocking.

Has Zirgan Ever Been in an Official Shortage?

Zirgan has not had a widely reported, sustained FDA-designated shortage. However, availability has been inconsistent for years due to the structural reasons described above. The drug has changed hands from its original developer, Sirion Therapeutics, to Bausch + Lomb, and distribution was periodically impacted during these transitions.

What Does This Mean for Patients in 2026?

If you have a Zirgan prescription in 2026, you may need to:

Call multiple pharmacies, or use a service that does the calling for you

Check with independent pharmacies and specialty mail-order pharmacies

Ask your prescriber about alternatives if Zirgan is truly unavailable in your area

Consider using the Bausch + Lomb Access Program to reduce cost if insurance is a barrier

What Are Your Options If You Can't Find Zirgan?

Don't wait on an untreated eye infection. Here are immediate steps:

Trifluridine 1% eye drops (generic Viroptic): The most widely stocked topical alternative. Treats the same condition, available at most retail pharmacies.

Oral acyclovir 400 mg (5x/day): Available everywhere, generic, costs $10–$30 per course.

Oral valacyclovir 500 mg (3x/day): Convenient dosing, generic available, effective for HSV eye infections.

How to Get Zirgan Filled Faster

Use medfinder to quickly locate which pharmacies near you carry Zirgan. medfinder calls pharmacies in your area and texts you back with who can fill your prescription — saving you the time of calling every pharmacy yourself. Given the urgency of treating a corneal infection, this kind of quick intel is invaluable.

Also read: Alternatives to Zirgan If You Can't Fill Your Prescription for a full comparison of your treatment options.