Comprehensive medication guide to Difluprednate including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Estimated Insurance Pricing
$15-$75 copay depending on your plan
Estimated Cash Pricing
$380-$450 for a 5ml bottle without insurance
Medfinder Findability Score
45/100
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Difluprednate (brand name Durezol) is a powerful corticosteroid eye drop used to treat inflammation and pain in the eye. It is FDA-approved for two main uses:
It is also sometimes used off-label for posterior uveitis, diabetic macular edema, severe allergic conjunctivitis, and corneal graft rejection prophylaxis. Difluprednate is a synthetic difluorinated derivative of prednisolone, making it one of the most potent topical ophthalmic steroids available.
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Difluprednate works by inhibiting the release of inflammatory mediators — specifically prostaglandins and leukotrienes — in ocular tissues. By suppressing the immune response in the eye, it effectively reduces swelling, redness, and pain.
As a difluorinated prednisolone derivative, Difluprednate has enhanced penetration through the cornea compared to older ophthalmic steroids. This means it can reach deeper eye structures more effectively, making it particularly useful for treating both surface and deeper ocular inflammation.
The typical dosing regimen is 1 drop in the affected eye 4 times daily for 2 weeks after surgery, tapering to 2 times daily for a week, then gradually discontinuing as directed by your eye doctor.
Ophthalmic emulsion 0.05% — ophthalmic
5 mL bottle (the only commercially available strength)
Difluprednate has been affected by an active shortage since April 2024. Generic manufacturer Exelan placed its 0.05% ophthalmic emulsion on long-term back order with no estimated release date. This has made the generic version difficult to find at many pharmacies, pushing patients toward brand-name Durezol, which is more widely available but significantly more expensive.
With a findability score of 45 out of 100, you may need to call multiple pharmacies or use Medfinder to locate Difluprednate in stock near you. The brand-name Durezol is generally easier to find, though at a much higher cost.
Difluprednate is primarily prescribed by eye care specialists:
Because Difluprednate is a potent ophthalmic steroid that requires monitoring of intraocular pressure, it is almost exclusively managed by eye care professionals. Telehealth prescribing is generally not available for this medication since it requires in-person eye examinations.
No, Difluprednate is not a controlled substance. It is not classified under any DEA schedule. However, it is a prescription-only medication that requires a valid prescription from a licensed eye care provider. Because it is a potent corticosteroid, your doctor will need to monitor your intraocular pressure during treatment to watch for potential complications like glaucoma.
Like all corticosteroid eye drops, Difluprednate can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary:
Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention include:
Your eye doctor will monitor your intraocular pressure during treatment. Report any sudden vision changes, increased eye pain, or signs of infection immediately.
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Prednisolone Acetate (Pred Forte)
a widely used ophthalmic corticosteroid available as an affordable generic; often used as first-line therapy for post-surgical inflammation and uveitis, though less potent than Difluprednate
Loteprednol Etabonate (Lotemax)
a softer steroid eye drop with lower risk of elevated intraocular pressure; available as gel, suspension, and ointment for mild to moderate inflammation
Dexamethasone Ophthalmic (Maxidex)
a potent corticosteroid eye drop with similar strength to Difluprednate; available generically at lower cost
Fluorometholone (FML)
a milder ophthalmic steroid with lower risk of IOP elevation; best suited for surface eye inflammation rather than deep ocular conditions
Prefer Difluprednate? We can find it.
Other ophthalmic NSAIDs
moderateusing anti-inflammatory eye drops alongside Difluprednate may increase the risk of corneal healing problems
Other corticosteroid eye drops
moderatecombining steroid eye drops raises the risk of elevated intraocular pressure and cataracts
Anticholinergic eye drops
moderatemay further increase intraocular pressure when used together
Other topical eye medications
moderatewait at least 10 minutes between different eye drops to prevent dilution and ensure proper absorption
Difluprednate (Durezol) is a highly effective ophthalmic corticosteroid for treating post-surgical eye inflammation and uveitis. However, the ongoing generic shortage since April 2024 has made finding this medication challenging and often more expensive for patients.
If you're struggling to find Difluprednate in stock, Medfinder can help you locate pharmacies that currently have it available. You may also want to ask your ophthalmologist about alternatives like Prednisolone Acetate or Dexamethasone, which are more widely available as generics.
For cost savings, look into generic Difluprednate with a discount card ($45–$120 per bottle), Novartis copay savings cards for brand Durezol, or the Novartis Patient Assistance Foundation for eligible uninsured patients.
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Our medication guides are researched and written to help patients make informed decisions. All content is reviewed for accuracy and updated regularly. Learn more about our standards
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