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Azopt eye drops shortage

Posted , 4 users are following.

libralady13
libralady13

Hello, Is anyone who uses Azopt eye drops having difficulty in getting them at their local chemist.  Have been told there is a problem with the manufacturer.  Have to go back again in the week to see f they have come in otherwise I will have no option than to use the generic Brinzolamide.  I really don't want to take the generic as I have very sensitive eyes and suffer from blepharitis and dry eyes.  I tried Xalatan and itthe made my asthma worse.  I then tried Azopt and have been really pleased as long as I make sure I put my finger over the corner of the eye after putting in the drop (one eye only being treated) and keep the blepharitis under control then I have no real problems.  I think but can't be sure that I was given the generic after cataract surgery to bring down the pressure and they made my eye very sore.  The only other one I can try according to my old eye clinic before I moved two years ago is Xalatan preservative free.  I only have enough Azopt until mid September so am hoping the Azopt will be available before this.

0 likes, 12 replies

12 Replies

  • dambudzo
    dambudzo libralady13

    Posted

    hi. I haven't had  AZOPT for quite a few months now. I just assumed that I'd been put on the generic for cost reasons.... .. For dry eyes I'm using hypromellose which seems to help.

    Hope that the problem is resolved soon

    • libralady13
      libralady13 dambudzo

      Posted

      Hello I am sure cost does come into it but I would rather have the Azopt.  I use celluvisc drops fortunately I don't need to use them as much as I did providing I keep the blepharitis under control.  These were actually prescribed for me by eye hospital when I lived in London to be used 30mins before glaucoma drops. 

    • libralady13
      libralady13 dambudzo

      Posted

      Hello   I have been using the generic brinzolamide as the Azopt is still not available.  They are fine as far as not making the eye sore but I find them very hard to instill as the nozzle is much larger and you have to squeeze the bottle rather than press the bottom. My arthritic hand does not help of course when having to squeeze anything.  Have you found this a problem if so any hints.  At the moment I am getting my husband to put them in in my eye as I keep missing the eye and end up with it on my cheek.  Thanks.
  • Alcantara
    Alcantara libralady13

    Posted

    I had the same problem a few weeks ago with Simbrinza.   The chemist (UK) told me they were in short supply due to production problems, and the distributers would only allow them one bottle per month (the chemist that is) and as somone else had got them, it was a matter of "hard cheese" with me, and I would have to find an alternative.    I phoned up the UK distributer of Simbranza and they told me there was no problem at all, and if the chemist phoned them, they would arrange for  a supply to arrive next day.     I put it all in a letter that I took round to the chemist, and delivered it to him in person.   He read it whilst I was there, and promised to phone up immediately.     The next day, as if by magic, they had a new stock of them!       I would imagine that would be the best course for you to follow with the Azopt!                

  • lester19220
    lester19220 libralady13

    Posted

    Fortunately there are plenty of substitutes to choose from for glaucoma eye drops.There is nothing wrong with generics if they are from a reputable manufacturer.
    • libralady13
      libralady13 lester19220

      Posted

      I appreciate that there are a lot of glaucoma drops around but not all are suitable for everyone.  I was told  Azopt or Xalatan.  As I mentioned Xalatan made my asthma worse and I was so glad that I had no real side effects with Azopt, so you can understand why I am loathe to change to the generic, but I appreciate that I might have to.  The only other option I was given was for Xalatan preservative free I would think that cost would come into this so not sure about that.  When I was first put on drops Moorfields in London tried everything to keep me off drops as long as possible as they were aware of my senstive eyes.  I had laser treatment as well in the hope I could avoid drops for a few years but unfortunately the laser treatment did not bring down the pressure well not enough anyway so have had to take Azopt one eye only for the last 3 years or so.  My pressures are usually 19 to 21 both eyes when I go for my checkups at the eye clinic.  
  • Alcantara
    Alcantara libralady13

    Posted

    I don't doubt it, but where I am, (Lancashire UK), if I can't get the eye drops presribed, and run out of them, I cannot get a presecription for alternatives all that easy, as getting unsechdules appointments usually take days, or even weeks.   I always order two weeks before I run out, to give me time to get more in the case of problems.    I have had the same problem as Libralady13, and it was only when I phoned the distributers directly, and then spoke to the chemist in charge at the local pharmacy, that the problem was solved!   

    • libralady13
      libralady13 Alcantara

      Posted

      I am in Greater Manchester so same area.  I have just looked at the bottle I am using and it says parallel distributed by a company in Ruislip Middlesex (funnily enough just a 10 min car ride from where I used to live when I was in Greater London).  It also says Marketing holder a company in Camberely Surrey but the manufacturer is in Spain.  When you say you phoned the distributer directly I wonder who is was.
  • Alcantara
    Alcantara libralady13

    Posted

    My eyedrops were Simbrinza, but the distributor for Azopt (I used to use them) appears to be the same, Alcon.   Their number UK is 01276 692255.      Naturally, they wouldn't supply me, but told me to give their phone number to the chemist, and they would supply them.     I saw the chemist personally, and only the day after he phoned them, they had a new supply -   Hope this sorts it out for you!   

    • libralady13
      libralady13 Alcantara

      Posted

      Hello  Thank you for the telephone number.  I have just called them and have been told that they are looking at supplies to chemists mid to late September.
    • Alcantara
      Alcantara libralady13

      Posted

      That doesn't help if you are running out though - -  Maybe you could find some at a different chemist, or even the hospital.   That is what I had to resort to a month of so ago.   But being on patient access, I was tied to one chemist.   I had to go to the GP and get another prescription that I could hand in to any chemist.   

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