Bimatoprost (0.03% eye drops): Lumigan is your new brand

What is changing?

The funded brand of Bimatoprost 0.03% eye drops is changing from Bimatoprost (Multichem) to Lumigan.

This change began on 1 August 2024. There was a five-month transition period, from 1 August 2024 until 31 December 2024.

When the new brand will be available

• From 1 August 2024 Lumigan was fully funded and available
• From 1 January 2024 only Lumigan is fully funded. Bimatoprost (Multichem) is no longer be funded.

Lumigan works the same way as Bimatoprost (Multichem)

• Lumigan has the same active ingredient which is delivered to the body in the same way.
• Lumigan has been evaluated by Medsafe to ensure it’s safe.

You shouldn’t notice any difference when you change to Lumigan.

If you have any questions about this change, talk with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Lumigan and Multichem are generic medicines. More about generic medicines

Your new brand of Bimatoprost 0.03% eye drops looks different

Your brand is changing to help us fund other medicines

A decision to change a medicine is not taken lightly.  Our job is to make sure New Zealanders have access to the medicines they need. Making changes to medicines helps us achieve that by freeing up our limited budget to fund other medicines in the community.

For health care professionals

You play an important role in supporting patients through changes to medicines. 

Key points to tell people about Lumigan

• Lumigan has the same active ingredient as Bimatoprost (Multichem)
• The new brand is just as safe and works the same as the old brand. 
• Patients shouldn’t notice any difference in how it affects them. 
• Patients take Lumigan at the same frequency as Bimatoprost (Multichem)

Who to contact

If you have any questions about changing brands, talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. 

If you have questions about funding, email enquiry@pharmac.govt.nz