Betoptic and Betoptic S (betaxolol) eyedrops: Discontinuation
Betaxolol eye drops, branded Betoptic and Betoptic S, are being discontinued by the supplier.
Affected product
The supplier, Novartis, advises that Betoptic and Betoptic S (betaxolol) eyedrops are being discontinued globally.
Betaxolol
Presentation: Eye drops 0.25%
- Brand: Betoptic S
- Pharmacode: 214558
- Subsidy: $11.80
- Measure / Qty: per 5 ml OP
Presentation: Eye drops 0.5%
- Brand: Betoptic
- Pharmacode: 535982
- Subsidy: $7.50
- Measure / Qty: per 5 ml OP
Key dates
- January 2025: Betoptic S 0.25% 5mL expected to run out
- June 2025: Betoptic 0.5% 5mL expected run out.
- 1 December 2025: Delisting from the Pharmaceutical Schedule.
People who take betaxolol eye drops
You will need a new prescription for a different treatment. You will need to talk to the person who prescribes your eye drops before the end of the year. They will work with you to find an effective alternative.
We appreciate that changing treatments can be disruptive. We apologise for any inconvenience this causes.
Health care professionals
Pharmacists
We would appreciate it if you could advise anyone picking up betaxolol eye drops that they will need to change treatment in early 2025.
We have developed an A5 flier to support your conversations with people about this discontinuation.
Prescribers of betaxolol eye drops
You will need to change your patients from betaxolol to a new treatment
Clinical advice has confirmed that other fully funded ophthalmic beta blockers are available, such as timolol. People with contraindications to timolol can get treatment from other funded glaucoma preparations.
Schedule listings for eye preparations(external link)
Glaucoma treatments – NZ Formulary(external link)
Thank you
We appreciate the time and effort you give to help people when their medicine has to change.
Who to contact
If you have questions about this issue, email enquiry@pharmac.govt.nz
Please include as much information as you can about the product (presentation, brand, pharmacode) and who your wholesaler is.
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