Prescribing Steroids in a Post-Flarex Market
Available from: 3/04/2025 ()
Provider: Mivision
Activity Outline
Topical corticosteroids represent one of the most potent and efficacious treatments for anterior segment ocularnflammation. Possessing variable therapeutic effect, dependent upon active drug potency and penetrance, topical anti-inflammatory preparations elicit therapeutic effect by directly targeting ocular structures. Flarex (fluorometholone acetate 0.1%) suspension eye drops were withdrawn from the Australian pharmaceutical market in June 2024, with the remaining supply continuing to be available until it was exhausted. Manufacturer Novartis Pharmaceuticals Australia Pty Ltd cited changes to commercial viability as justification for the discontinuation. Thomas Ford considers the implications for clinical practice and the available alternatives for effective management of ophthalmic disease.
Learning Objectives
- Recognise topical corticosteroid prescribing trends in Australia
- Understand the mechanism of anterior segment inflammation and anatomical barriers to topical drug entry
- Compare and contrast the pharmacological properties of topical corticosteroid agents
- Understand key treatment philosophies that underpin the evidence-based management of inflammatory eye disease
Max CPD hours awarded: 1.5
Session Information
| Name |
|---|
| Prescribing Steroids in a Post-Flarex Market |
| Clinical? |
| Yes |
| Interactive? |
| No |
| Therapeutic? |
| Yes |
| Duration of CPD Session/Module |
| 1 |
| Duration of CPD Session/Module inclusive of Assessment Component |
| 1.5 |