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 21/01/2021)

Brand Name: Visudyne          Manufacturer: Cheplapharm
Reason for shortage: Out of stock

Likely duration of stock shortage: Dec 2023- current supplies are being limited to ophthalmic oncology centres

Potential alternatives*: US Visudyne (considered unlicensed in the UK) is being supplied by their distributor, Neon Healthcare, in restricted quantities until this time.  Please contact Neon Healthcare with any queries: 01920 444 345 or [email protected]

The following specialist importers have also confirmed they can source unlicensed imports of verteporfin 15mg injection, lead times vary (please note, there may be other companies that can also source supplies):

  • Durbin PLC
  • Mawdsley’s Unlicensed.

Brand Name:N/A          Manufacturer: Kyowa Kirin
Reason for shortage: Quality control release and manufacturing concerns MHRA Alert

Likely duration of stock shortage: Ceased production

Potential alternatives*: Please see link for alternative suppliers

Etabonate 0.5% eye drops

(Updated 17 January 2020)

Brand Name: Lotemax          Manufacturer: Bausch and Lomb
Reason for shortage: Unknown

Likely duration of stock shortage: Unknown

Potential alternatives*: No direct alternative. Consider an alternative corticosteroid with a similar potency such as FML (fluorometholone) or prednisolone 0.5% eye drops. Monitor closely for response and consider additional IOP monitoring if appropriate.

(Updated 19 December 2019)

Brand Name: Zovirax          Manufacturer: GlaxoSmithKline UK Ltd
Reason for shortage: Discontinuation

Likely duration of stock shortage: GSK will cease the manufacture and supply of Zovirax Eye Ointment globally during 2018 due to repeated challenges in guaranteeing a sustainable product supply. Stock of Zovirax Eye Ointment is anticipated to continue to be available in the UK until the end of March 2019. See full notification DHCP Zovirax Eye Ointment Discontinuation Letter 13.12.18

Potential alternatives*: Please refer to the UKMI memo on the discontinuation of Zovirax Eye Ointment for further information on alternative treatment options. A new licensed product may now be available.

(Updated 4 November 2019)

Brand Name: N/A          Manufacturer: RPH Pharmac-euticals AB (distributed through Focus Pharmaceuticals)
Reason for shortage: Discontinuation

Likely duration of stock shortage: RPH Pharmaceuticals AB, have advised that following the discontinuation of Betnesol Eye Ointment 0.1% w/w x 3g they have experienced manufacturing problems which have resulted in the nonviability of launching a generic Betamethasone Eye Ointment 0.1% w/w x 3g.

Potential alternatives*: RPH Pharmaceuticals will NOT be launching a generic. Martindale Pharma can support the market in the meantime.