15 March 2002 News Update

WIDER ACCESS FOR GLAUCOMA DROPS

A new combination eye drop for glaucoma treatment receives full funding on the Pharmaceutical Schedule from April 1.

In a multi-faceted agreement with Merck Sharp & Dohme, the new product, Cosopt, has been listed and fully funded. Cosopt is a combination of dorzolamide hydrochloride and timolol maleate.

In addition, the Special Authority criteria for dorzolamide eye drops (Trusopt) have been replaced with prescribing guidelines to widen access, and two timolol products, Timpilo and Timoptol XE drops move from part to full funding.

Special authority criteria have also been changed for latanoprost (Xalatan) eye drops to allow it to be used with other treatments if it has not been effective as sole therapy, where patients have failed other treatments.

Back to welcome page

Back to news archives