Diamox SR Discontinued in UK

[Laura7777]

Hello All

I have been taking Diamox SR for over 30 years and have just been advised that it has been discontinued in the UK.

I know that there is an 'immediate release' tablet available but as I am taking it long-term I am advised that the sustained release is kinder on the body and is better for the even control of eye pressures.

I will of course, discuss this with my Ophthalmologist but in the meantime;

1. Does anybody know if there is a suitable alternative available in a sustained release form?

2. Do any of our members outside the UK know if Diamox SR has been discontinued in their countries please?

Any help would be much appreciated, thank you.

[Islandhome]

I was told a year ago that diamox was no longer available and have been taking acetazolomide ever since. I was told diamox was kinder but no alternative available but I have not noticed any difference. I too am taking it long term.

[Laura7777 in reply to Islandhome]

Thanks Islandhome. It seems that more and more drugs are being discontiued and there is nothing we can do about it. Looks like we're in tha same boat - stuck with the ordinary acetazolomide.

[AlfredV]

Diamox is a branded version of acetazolamide. Maybe there is an alternate slow release to Diamox SR called something different but essentially the same drug? I don't know, just putting it out there.

[Laura7777 in reply to AlfredV]

Thanks Alfred, I have asked pharmacist and GP about a generic slow release version but no luck. Thanks for your thought and replying anyway.

[AlfredV in reply to Laura7777]

If it's any help, I used to get the same sort of side effects from the slow release version as the regular acetazolamide. In that regards I didn't really notice any difference between the two.

[Laura7777 in reply to AlfredV]

It has been the same for me too. I'd just prefer the slow release to get the constant level of the drug as opposed to the peaks and troughs with the ordinary tablets. In the past, when I have had to take the tablets my eye pressures have become less stable than they are with the SR. But, the tablets ar certainly better than nothing.

Thanks again Alfred.

[Islandhome in reply to AlfredV]

I did look into it at the time and there were no slow release versions available, just generic acetazolomide.

[Trish_GlaucomaUK Partner]

Hello. You are correct that Diamox SR has been discontinued. This happened this year in August. Diamox is a branded drug, so Acetazolamide will still be available, but I am not aware of any slow release generic options available.

[Laura7777 in reply to Trish_GlaucomaUK]

Thanks Trish, no doubt we just have to put up with no slow release option and change to the Acetazolomide all the time. Shame though as it is not as effective in maintaining low IOP due to the fluctuation of the strength of the drug in the body. Still, let's hope they don't stop that as well!

Thanks again.

[Trekfan]

I have heard that long term use of Acetazolomide is bad for the kidneys. I was told that Methazolamide (50mgs 2X per day) was safer. My pressure went down by avoiding corticosteroids and using Preservative Free drops like Cosopt. Cosopt has Dorzolamide which I understand also inhibits Carbonic Anhydrase.

[Laura7777 in reply to Trekfan]

Many thanks Trekfan. I will investigate the possibility of Methazolomide.

Regards, Laura

[woodthorpe]

Dear Laura7777, (& Islandhome), As far as I know, Diamox 250mg tabs. and Diamox SR, 250mg (modified release), capsules are marketed by Advanz Pharma and are still available - on prescription. The company has its HQ in London. Please Note: Diamox is the same as Acetazolamide. Consultation with an experienced Ophthalmologist is advisable, as long-term use especially in the elderly, needs careful consideration. Hope this is helpful, 'Woodthorpe'.

[Laura7777 in reply to woodthorpe]

Thanks woothorpe. You are quie right, long-term use of Diamox/Acetazolomide does need careful consideration and I am reasonably confident that my Consultant (who is a Professor of Ophthalmology who specialises in glaucoma) is only doing what is best for me and the preservation of my eyesight.

I contacted Advanz Pharma and they confirmed that they have discontinued DiamoxSR and that as far as they are aware, it is no longer available in the UK. My parmacist confirmed this info for me this afternoon.

Thanks for all this information, and yes, it has been very helpful.

Best Wishes, Laura