Allergan has confirmed Prednefrin Forte (prednisolone acetate and phenylephrine hydrochloride) eye drops (10mL) will be available once again across Australian pharmacies in February 2022.
Due to manufacturing issues, there has been a shortage of the therapy since February 2021, but Allergan, an AbbVie company, stated it has worked closely with its global counterparts in the last 12 months to ensure its return.
The therapy is approved for severe inflammation (non-infectious) of the eye, such as acute iritis, iridocyclitis, scleritis, episcleritis, uveitis, resistant ocular allergy and inflammation following eye surgery.
To ensure patients and healthcare professionals continued to access suitable eye drops while Prednefrin Forte was locally unavailable, Allergan worked with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) to arrange a Section 19A approval for supply of Pred Forte Prednisolone acetate 10mg/mL eye drops 10mL (UK).
Section 19A medicines do not appear on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods, but are approved for import and supply in Australia because:
- there is a shortage of a medicine registered in Australia; and
- the medicine is needed in the interest of public health.
Pred Forte’s approval is valid until February 2022.
“Allergan will cease supply of Pred Forte Prednisolone acetate 10mg/mL eye drops 10mL (UK), but it will remain available in pharmacies for several weeks,” the company stated.
“Allergan remains committed to ensuring patients and healthcare professionals needs are met.”
Prednefrin Forte was first listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods in 1991.
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