Diclofenac sodium (Voltaren Ophtha) eye drops 0.1%: Supply issue resolved

Supply issue Active

Novartis has advised PHARMAC that diclofenac eye drops (pharmacode: 781851) have been resupplied.

Contact your wholesaler for stock availability. 

Alternative treatments 

We listed 2 alternatives to cover the out of stock. These will be delisted later in 2021 to allow time for the products to work through the supply chain.

These products were: 

  • Nepafenac (brand name Ilevro) 
    • This product is Medsafe approved.
    • We understand stock was available in early January 2021.
    • The product was listed in the Schedule from 1 January 2021.
    • Pharmacode: 2603101
  • Ketorolac trometamol (Acular)
    • For patients with macular oedema, our clinical advice suggests that ketorolac trometamol (Acular) is a more suitable alternative.
    • This product is Medsafe approved.
    • The product was listed in the Schedule from 1 January 2021.
    • Pharmacode: 307904

Who to contact

If you have questions about the alternative products, contact:

  • Novartis about Voltaren Ophtha and Ilevro
  • Allergan about Acular

Or talk to your wholesaler.