Carbomer (Poly-Gel) gel 0.3%: Discontinuation

Discontinuation Active

The supplier is discontinuing this product, it will be supplied until the end of 2024.

Update 14 October 2024

We have announced our decision not to fund Viscotears as an alternative to Poly-Gel. The main reason for this being that the supplier of Viscotears could not supply enough of the product for the New Zealand market. 

Decision not to fund an alternative carbomer gel and to remove renewal criteria for preservative free ocular lubricants

We have added information about funded alternatives to Poly-Gel.

Affected product

Alcon, the supplier, will stop supplying this product at the end of 2024. Pharmac will delist it from the Pharmaceutical Schedule on 1 July 2025. This allows time for stock to be dispensed and claimed for. 

Alternative product

The following preservative free ocular lubricants will continue to be funded in the community, subject to Special Authority criteria:

  • Polyethylene glycol 400 and propylene glycol eye drops (branded as Systane Unit Dose)
  • Sodium hyaluronate [Hyaluronic acid] eye drops (branded as Hylo-Fresh)

Anyone who is eligible for funded Poly-Gel would also meet the eligibility criteria for these treatments.

Schedule listings for other funded eye preparations(external link)

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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