Diclofenac sodium (Voltaren Ophtha) eye drops 0.1%: Discontinuation
Voltaren Ophtha eye drops have been discontinued and stock will run out in late June 2024. An alternative will be available before it runs out.
Affected product
Voltaren Ophtha eye drops are no longer being supplied to the New Zealand market. The supplier expects supplies to run out by late June 2024. There may still be stock in the supply chain after then.
- Chemical: Diclofenac sodium
- Presentation: Eye drops 0.1%
- Brand: Voltaren Ophtha
- Pharmacode: 781851
- Subsidy: $8.80
- Measure / Qty: per 5 ml OP
We will delist this product from 1 December 2024. This allows time for any remaining stock in the supply chain to be dispensed and claimed for.
Alternative treatment
A registered alternative is already listed and will be available to order from mid June 2024.
- Chemical: Nepafenac
- Presentation: Eye drops 0.3%
- Brand: Ilevro
- Pharmacode: 2655969
- Subsidy: $8.80
- Measure / Qty: per 3 ml OP
Schedule listing for Ilevro(external link)
Datasheet for Ilevro – Medsafe(external link)
NZ Formulary monograph for Ilevro(external link)
On-going treatment options
Pharmac tendered for ocular non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) during the 2023/2024 annual tender, which we are still working on. The alternative, Ilevro (nepafenac - 0.3% eye drops), will continue to be available and listed on the Pharmaceutical Schedule until we resolve the tender.
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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