Comprehensive medication guide to Durezol including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Estimated Insurance Pricing
$10–$50 copay for generic difluprednate (Tier 1–2 on most plans); $50–$100+ copay for brand Durezol (Tier 3). Some plans require step therapy (prednisolone acetate first) or prior authorization before covering difluprednate.
Estimated Cash Pricing
Brand Durezol retails for $250–$400 per 5 mL bottle; generic difluprednate averages ~$303 at retail but can be as low as $44–$49 with a GoodRx or SingleCare coupon when available. Supply of generic is limited due to an ongoing shortage.
Medfinder Findability Score
45/100
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Durezol is the brand name for difluprednate ophthalmic emulsion 0.05%, a prescription corticosteroid eye drop approved by the FDA in 2008. It is indicated for two conditions: treating inflammation and pain associated with ocular surgery (particularly cataract surgery), and treating endogenous anterior uveitis — inflammation in the front part of the eye caused by the immune system.
Durezol belongs to the ophthalmic steroid drug class. It is formulated as an emulsion — a mixture of oil and water — which provides consistent dosing and superior corneal penetration compared to suspension-based steroid drops. Generic difluprednate ophthalmic emulsion is available from manufacturers including Dr. Reddy's and Amneal.
Durezol is one of the most potent topical ophthalmic steroids available. Clinical studies have shown that difluprednate dosed 4 times a day is therapeutically equivalent to prednisolone acetate 1% dosed 8 times a day for anterior uveitis — providing superior convenience with fewer daily doses.
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Durezol (difluprednate) is a synthetic corticosteroid that works by binding to glucocorticoid receptors inside cells of the eye. This binding triggers changes in gene expression that block the release of arachidonic acid — the precursor molecule to inflammatory chemicals including prostaglandins and leukotrienes.
By blocking these downstream inflammatory pathways, Durezol suppresses immune cell activity in the eye, reduces blood vessel permeability (decreasing swelling), and controls pain. Difluprednate has two fluorine atoms added to the prednisolone molecular structure, which approximately doubles its potency compared to prednisolone acetate 1%.
Because Durezol is applied directly to the eye as a topical emulsion, systemic absorption is minimal — blood levels remain below the detection threshold at standard doses. This means it acts locally in the eye without causing the systemic effects associated with oral corticosteroids.
0.05% — ophthalmic emulsion
5 mL bottle; 1 drop instilled into the conjunctival sac of the affected eye
0.05% — ophthalmic emulsion (post-surgical)
4 times daily starting 24 hours after surgery for 2 weeks, then 2 times daily for 1 week, then taper
0.05% — ophthalmic emulsion (uveitis)
4 times daily for 14 days, then taper as clinically indicated
As of 2026, Durezol has a significant availability challenge due to an ongoing shortage of generic difluprednate. The shortage began in April 2024 when manufacturer Exelan placed its generic product on long-term back order with no estimated return date. Generic supply from Dr. Reddy's and Amneal is available in some markets but with limited capacity.
Brand-name Durezol (Novartis/Alcon) is generally available at most pharmacies, but at $250–$400 per 5 mL bottle, cost is a significant barrier. Patients willing to use the brand can typically fill their prescription — but finding the affordable generic requires calling multiple pharmacies or using a pharmacy locator service.
Use medfinder to find pharmacies near you that have Durezol or generic difluprednate in stock without making dozens of calls yourself.
Durezol is not a controlled substance and has no DEA scheduling requirements. However, because it requires a slit-lamp examination for proper prescribing and monitoring, it is almost always prescribed by an eye care professional. The FDA prescribing information specifies that initial prescribing and renewal beyond one bottle should follow examination of the patient with slit-lamp magnification.
Ophthalmologists (MD/DO specializing in eye care) — primary prescribers, perform cataract surgery
Optometrists with therapeutic licenses — can prescribe in most U.S. states
Uveitis specialists / retina specialists — for complex or recurrent uveitis cases
Cornea specialists — for post-surgical management of complex cases
Telehealth availability: Durezol is generally not prescribed via telehealth, as proper diagnosis and monitoring requires an in-person slit-lamp eye examination. Patients must see an eye care provider in person to receive a prescription.
No. Durezol (difluprednate) is not a controlled substance and has no DEA scheduling. It is a prescription-only medication, meaning it requires a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider, but it has no recognized abuse potential and is not subject to the same prescription restrictions that apply to controlled substances such as opioids, stimulants, or benzodiazepines.
As a prescription-only ophthalmic corticosteroid, Durezol prescriptions may be filled at any licensed pharmacy without the quantity limit, early refill restriction, or prescription monitoring requirements that apply to scheduled controlled substances. Prescriptions may be called in or electronically sent by any licensed prescriber.
The following side effects were reported in 5–10% of patients in clinical trials:
Blurred vision (temporary, usually clears within minutes)
Eye irritation (stinging or burning after instillation)
Eye pain
Headache
Increased intraocular pressure (IOP) — monitor if used >10 days
Eye redness (limbal and conjunctival hyperemia)
Punctate keratitis (minor corneal surface irritation)
Serious side effects requiring prompt medical attention:
Glaucoma / significant IOP elevation (call doctor if you experience eye pain, headache, or see halos around lights)
Posterior subcapsular cataract (with prolonged use)
Eye infections (may be masked or worsened by steroid use)
Delayed wound healing after surgery
Corneal or scleral melting (in patients with pre-existing thinning conditions)
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Prednisolone Acetate 1% (Pred Forte)
Most widely used ophthalmic steroid; equivalent efficacy when dosed 6–8 times daily; costs $10–$30 with discount card; must shake before use
Loteprednol Etabonate (Lotemax)
Softer steroid with lower IOP risk; available as 0.5% suspension, 0.5% gel, 0.38% gel (Lotemax SM); preferred for mild inflammation or glaucoma-prone patients
Dexamethasone (Maxidex)
Moderate potency steroid; available as 0.1% suspension or intracanalicular insert (Dextenza) for up to 30 days of sustained delivery; costs $15–$40
Fluorometholone (FML)
Mild steroid for surface inflammation; lowest potency alternative; lowest IOP risk; not suitable for severe post-surgical inflammation or significant uveitis
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Other ophthalmic eye drops
minorWait at least 5 minutes between each eye drop to allow absorption. Using multiple drops without waiting can wash out previous medication.
Soft contact lenses
moderateDurezol's preservative (sorbic acid) can be absorbed by soft contact lenses. Remove lenses before instillation and wait at least 10 minutes before reinserting.
Herpes simplex virus (ocular)
majorContraindicated in active herpes simplex keratitis. Steroids can dramatically worsen herpes eye infections by suppressing the immune response.
Glaucoma medications
moderateDurezol can raise intraocular pressure. Patients on glaucoma medications need careful IOP monitoring when using any steroid eye drop.
Systemic corticosteroids
minorDue to low systemic absorption, clinically significant interaction with oral or injectable corticosteroids is unlikely. Discuss with your doctor if you are on oral prednisone.
Durezol (difluprednate) is a highly effective and widely prescribed ophthalmic corticosteroid for post-surgical eye inflammation and anterior uveitis. Its emulsion formulation, high potency, and convenient dosing schedule make it a preferred choice for many ophthalmologists. However, the ongoing generic shortage since April 2024 has made it challenging for many patients to access the more affordable generic version.
If you're prescribed Durezol and are having trouble filling it, remember: do not skip doses or stop treatment without consulting your doctor. There are effective alternatives available (prednisolone acetate, loteprednol, dexamethasone) that your ophthalmologist can prescribe as a bridge. And with GoodRx or SingleCare coupons, generic difluprednate can cost as little as $44–$49 per bottle when available.
Use medfinder to find pharmacies near you with Durezol or generic difluprednate in stock — saving you hours of phone calls and helping ensure you can stay on your prescribed treatment.
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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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