GP news
The GP news area provides GPs with up to date information, news and developments about Moorfields.
Update on ophthalmic medicine shortages April 2023
There are currently UK-wide shortages of some eye medications.
Our pharmacy team is receiving an increased number of calls and emails from patients as a result of these shortages, which we are unable to respond to. We are communicating with patients via our website, advising them to ask their local pharmacy about alternative options.Please direct patients to their local pharmacy and not to Moorfields.
The following table lists affected stock, timescales for resolution, and suggests temporary alternatives.
Please note, if the medication is not listed in the table – there is not a shortage.
Please be aware that at present there are very limited/no UK supplies of pilocarpine 4% eye drops, Diamox SR® 250mg Prolonged-release Capsules, Verkazia and Ikervis – please see details below of the alternatives used at Moorfields:
|
Product out of stock |
Due back date |
Temporary alternatives (considered by Moorfields) |
|
Pilocarpine 4% eye drops |
28 April 2023 |
Consider pilocarpine 1% or 2% eye drops and adjusting the frequency to control the intraocular pressure. Consider unlicensed (specials) pilocarpine 4% preservative free eye drops |
|
Diamox SR® 250mg Prolonged-release Capsules |
31 July 2023 |
All Moorfields glaucoma patients to be transferred to acetazolamide tablets 250mg at a dose of 125mg (half a tablet) THREE times a day as suggested by the Glaucoma Service |
|
Ikervis® and Verkazia®
|
Intermittent supply until mid-May |
If Ikervis is unavailable use Verkazia (and vice versa). They are both ciclosporin eye drops 1mg/mL – the contents are identical.
If neither are available, (Moorfields patients) should contact the medical secretary of the appropriate consultant to either change therapy or stop it. |
Other information for GPs
- Ciclosporin eye preparations fact sheet
- Update - Preservative free glaucoma medicines
- Referrals to treatment (RTT)
- Ophthalmic formulary v1.37 November 2022
- Moorfields e-Discharge FAQ's