The merits of preservative-free eyedrops are well known. They must be packaged in single-dose containers, however, and that introduces potential problems. At lease it has done for preservative-free formulations of the glaucoma medication, dorzolomide hydrochloride/timolol maleate (Cosopt). Since a new dropper design was introduced in July 2013, the MHRA has received 69 complaints, ranging from scratches to the cornea to “difficulty in administration of the drops onto the eye” (1).
The culprit appears to be the wings that extend from the pipette tip, and the small bits of plastic that remain on the tip after the pipette is opened. Some patients find it difficult to use the pipette, increasing the risk of eye injury. A new dropper with an improved design will be introduced soon, but in the meantime, the MHRA notes that “patients who are currently using this product may be experiencing problems administering their eye drops, and may benefit from additional education in the safe self-administration of eye drops.” The agency has requested that UK-based eyecare professionals “report any problems via the Yellow Card Scheme (an online reporting system for suspected side effects), specifying which presentation was involved.”
References
- Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, Drug Safety Update, 7(5), S2 (December 2013); http://www.mhra.gov.uk
