A photo of a pile of pills and a thermometer.

Drugs Shortages

The Royal College of Ophthalmologists works with the UK Ophthalmic Pharmacy Group to update our members on drug shortages. This is not intended as a guide to patients, who should always speak to their consultant, pharmacist or other medical professional about finding alternative medication. The College is unable to offer advice to patients on where to source specific drugs or possible alternatives.

In response to concerns raised by the College, the Department of Health Medicine Supply Team has confirmed that manufacturers have a legal duty to ensure continuity of supply of medicines to UK patients.

Joint industry and Department of Health guidance recommends companies inform the Department of Health as soon as possible about impending shortages which are likely to have an impact on patient care. When prior notification of product discontinuation or shortage is provided potential impact can be planned for and addressed by the Department of Health.

Contact us

If members become aware of drug shortages not listed please contact Jonathan Baker, Quality Improvement Manager: [email protected].

Current drugs shortages

Shortages can occur for various reasons including shortages of raw materials/plant failure/imbalance between supply and demand. Below you’ll find an regularly updated list of drug shortages that the College and UKOPG are aware of.

(Added 08/11/23) (Updated 12/09/24)

Brand Name: Diamox SR  250mg       Manufacturer: Mercury Pharma Group Ltd

Reason for shortage: Discontinuation

Potential Alternatives:

The following specialist importer(s) have currently confirmed availability of unlicensed acetazolamide SR 250mg capsules (please note, there may be other companies that can also source supplies):

  • Smartway

The following companies have indicated they can supply specials of acetazolamide oral suspension in various strengths (please note, there may be other companies that can manufacture supplies):

  • Eaststone Specials
  • IPS Pharma
  • Nova Labs
  • PCCA Ltd
  • Quantum Pharmaceutical
  • Rokshaw Ltd

(Added 23/04/24) (Updated 12/06/24)
Medications in shortage:
Acetylcholine chloride (Miphtel) 20mg powder
Manufactruer: Nordic Pharma Ltd
Likely duration of shortage: until 2026

Potential Alternatives:

The following specialist importers have confirmed they can source unlicensed alternatives (please note there may be other companies that can also source supplies):

Acetylcholine chloride (Miochol-E) 20mg powder and solvent for solution for intraocular irrigation

  • Clinigen
  • Orifarm

Carbachol (Miostat) 0.01% intraocular solution

  • Chemys
  • Clinigen

(Added 21/01/2021) (Updated 06/06/2024)

Brand Name: Visudyne          Manufacturer: Cheplapharm

Supply has returned to normal levels within the UK. All restrictions on ordering Visudyne stock have been removed and all NHS organisations may now order stock. DHSC Medicine Supply Team will continue to monitor the supply situation.