There are limited supplies of preserved dexamethasone (Maxidex^®) 0.1% eye drops in a multi-dose container until early August 2021 due to a manufacturing issue.  During this period stock will only be available to order directly from Novartis and subject to order limits.

Dexamethasone 0.1% preservative free and alternative steroid eye drops remain available in single dose and multi-dose containers and collectively can support an uplift in demand.

For patients with insufficient supplies until the resupply date, clinicians should consider prescribing an alternative preparation as appropriate.

Patients who are on long term treatment should be fully counselled if switched to alternative preparations, particularly preservative free single dose preparations, due to the need to dispose of the unit dose after use. 

This alert contains further information and action for providers.

Please note that no response is required via the CAS website to this alert.