Comprehensive medication guide to Lacrisert including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Estimated Insurance Pricing
$0–$150 copay depending on plan; most Medicare Part D plans list Lacrisert at Tier 4 with higher cost-sharing; prior authorization is frequently required by commercial plans. Mail-order pharmacy fills may reduce per-unit cost for ongoing users.
Estimated Cash Pricing
$691 retail for a 60-count package; as low as $578–$595 with a GoodRx or SingleCare coupon. No FDA-approved generic is available, so these prices represent the lowest widely available options for a 30–60 day supply.
Medfinder Findability Score
45/100
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Lacrisert is a prescription ophthalmic insert containing 5 mg of hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC), a water-soluble polymer. It is a sterile, translucent, rod-shaped insert designed to be placed once daily into the inferior cul-de-sac of the eye — the pocket between the lower eyelid and the eyeball. The insert slowly dissolves throughout the day, providing sustained lubrication to the ocular surface.
Lacrisert is manufactured by Renaissance Lakewood, LLC and distributed by Bausch + Lomb (Bausch Health US, LLC). It is a brand-name product only — there is no FDA-approved generic equivalent as of 2026. Each package contains 60 unit-dose inserts and 2 reusable applicators.
FDA-approved indications include moderate to severe dry eye syndromes (keratoconjunctivitis sicca), exposure keratitis, decreased corneal sensitivity, and recurrent corneal erosions. Lacrisert is preservative-free and does not contain any active pharmaceutical agent beyond the hydroxypropyl cellulose polymer itself.
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Lacrisert works through a sustained-release polymer dissolution mechanism. When placed in the inferior cul-de-sac, the hydroxypropyl cellulose insert comes into contact with the small amount of moisture present in the eye. It begins to slowly absorb water and dissolve from the outside in, releasing a continuous supply of viscous lubricating solution into the tear film throughout the day.
As HPC dissolves, it thickens the precorneal tear film, increasing its viscosity and stability. A thicker, more stable tear film resists drainage and evaporation, remains intact between blinks for longer periods, and provides better corneal surface coverage. Clinical studies have shown significant improvement in tear film breakup time (TBUT) with Lacrisert compared to artificial tears alone.
Unlike anti-inflammatory eye drops (cyclosporine, lifitegrast) that address the underlying immunological cause of dry eye, Lacrisert works mechanically — it directly supplements the tear film. This makes its effect faster in onset (days to weeks) and immediately apparent in the form of reduced friction and corneal protection. The insert dissolves completely within approximately 24 hours, after which a new insert is placed.
5 mg — ophthalmic insert
Sterile, translucent, rod-shaped hydroxypropyl cellulose insert. 60 unit-dose inserts per package with 2 reusable applicators. Place once daily (or twice daily if directed) in the inferior cul-de-sac.
Lacrisert has a findability score of 45 out of 100 — meaning patients frequently encounter difficulty locating it at their usual pharmacy. While Lacrisert is not on the FDA's active drug shortage list in 2026 (the major shortage that began in 2020 was resolved in late 2023), the drug is not routinely stocked at most retail pharmacies due to its low prescription volume.
Most patients will need to actively search for a pharmacy that stocks Lacrisert, or ask their pharmacy to special-order it. Hospital outpatient pharmacies affiliated with ophthalmology practices and specialty mail-order pharmacies tend to have the most reliable supply. Large retail chain pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens) may carry it but availability varies by location.
The fastest way to find Lacrisert in stock near you is to use medfinder, which calls pharmacies on your behalf and texts you the results — saving you from making multiple calls yourself.
Lacrisert is not a controlled substance and can be prescribed by any licensed prescriber with an appropriate scope of practice. In practice, the vast majority of Lacrisert prescriptions are written by eye care specialists, and many insurance prior authorization policies specifically require the prescriber to be an ophthalmologist or optometrist.
Ophthalmologists (MD/DO): The most common prescribers; manage complicated and severe dry eye cases, post-surgical patients, and patients with Sjögren's syndrome.
Optometrists (OD): Licensed to prescribe therapeutic ophthalmic medications in all 50 states. Many dry eye patients receive Lacrisert from their optometrist.
Primary care physicians: Can technically prescribe Lacrisert but typically refer to an eye specialist for evaluation first.
Nurse practitioners (NP) and physician assistants (PA): Can prescribe within their scope of practice, which varies by state.
Telehealth prescribing is available for Lacrisert in established patient relationships; however, initial prescriptions typically require an in-person eye exam with objective tests like Schirmer testing and corneal staining.
No. Lacrisert (hydroxypropyl cellulose ophthalmic insert) is not a controlled substance. It has no DEA schedule and is not subject to the prescribing, dispensing, or refill restrictions that apply to scheduled medications.
Because Lacrisert is not controlled, prescriptions can be phoned, faxed, or sent electronically without the additional requirements of Schedule II–IV drugs. Refills can be authorized on the original prescription in most states. Patients can also transfer their Lacrisert prescription between pharmacies freely. There is no potential for abuse or dependence with this medication.
The most frequently reported side effects with Lacrisert are mild and localized to the eye:
Transient blurred vision (most common; resolves as insert dissolves)
Ocular discomfort or irritation (especially in the first few minutes after insertion)
Matting or stickiness of eyelashes (due to dissolved HPC residue)
Photophobia (light sensitivity)
Eyelid edema (mild swelling)
Hyperemia (redness)
Corneal abrasion: Risk of corneal scratch if the insert contacts the cornea rather than the cul-de-sac. Symptoms include sharp eye pain, significant worsening of vision, or pain with blinking. Seek care promptly.
Hypersensitivity reaction: Allergic reaction to hydroxypropyl cellulose. Contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to HPC.
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Restasis (cyclosporine 0.05%)
Twice-daily immunosuppressant eye drops that reduce ocular surface inflammation and stimulate natural tear production. Generic available, reducing cost. Takes 3–6 months for full effect.
Xiidra (lifitegrast 5%)
Twice-daily LFA-1 antagonist eye drops targeting T-cell-mediated inflammation. Faster onset than cyclosporine (2–4 weeks). Brand-name only.
Cequa (cyclosporine 0.09%)
Twice-daily higher-concentration cyclosporine drops using NCELL nanomicellar technology for improved corneal penetration. For patients with inadequate response to 0.05%.
Preservative-free artificial tears
OTC lubricating drops (Refresh Optive PF, Systane Ultra PF, TheraTears) used multiple times daily. Shorter duration than Lacrisert but widely available and inexpensive.
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Pilocarpine
minorNo adverse pharmacokinetic interaction observed in formal studies. Can be used concurrently; apply drops at least 10–15 minutes before placing the Lacrisert insert.
Dexamethasone ophthalmic
minorNo adverse interaction observed. Apply corticosteroid drop before placing the Lacrisert insert to ensure adequate absorption.
Contact lenses
moderateNot recommended for concurrent use. Both the insert and contact lens occupy the inferior cul-de-sac; may interfere with lens positioning and comfort.
Lacrisert is a uniquely effective tool for patients with moderate to severe dry eye disease who need sustained, all-day lubrication and cannot manage their symptoms with frequent eye drops alone. Its once-daily dosing, preservative-free formula, and proven efficacy make it a valuable option — particularly for patients with Sjögren's syndrome, exposure keratitis, recurrent corneal erosions, or other conditions requiring robust ocular surface protection.
The primary challenges with Lacrisert are cost ($578–$691 per 60-count package without insurance) and availability (many pharmacies do not stock it routinely). Working with your prescriber on insurance prior authorization, applying for the Bausch + Lomb Patient Assistance Program, or using GoodRx can reduce the cost burden. Availability can be addressed by finding a reliable pharmacy early — and refilling proactively.
If you are struggling to find Lacrisert at a pharmacy near you, medfinder can help. medfinder calls pharmacies on your behalf to identify which ones have your medication in stock, then texts you the results — so you can go directly to the right pharmacy without spending hours on the phone.
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