Betaxolol eye drops, branded Betoptic and Betoptic S, are being discontinued globally by Novartis, Pharmac advised.

New Zealand stock depletion of Betoptic S 0.25% 5ml eyedrops is expected by January 2025, while Betoptic 0.5% 5ml stock is expected to last until June 2025, said Pharmac. “Clinical advice confirms that other fully funded ophthalmic beta-blockers, like timolol, are available. For patients who cannot use timolol due to contraindications, alternative funded glaucoma treatments are available.”

The delisting from the Pharmaceutical Schedule for both concentrations will occur on 1 December 2025. For more, see https://pharmac.govt.nz/medicine-funding-and-supply/medicine-notices/betaxolol