Shortage of Lacrisert (hydroxypropyl cellulose ophthalmic insert)

[CadyRandy]

I checked on Facebook and it now looks like the target is no longer July 2023. It is targeting 2024. I am stressing about what will happen if my employer changes the work at home policy. My eye is chronically red on the days I don't use lacriserts. When productions stopped I had two boxes left. I have been cutting them in half when I have to go into the office. I am now down to my last few and was feeling hopeful that I might make it to the start of the production before running completely out. I guess I was wrong.

I have tried Xiidra (which B&L looks like is buying), artificial tears, genteel, but nothing makes my eye presentable for long. It is very depressing.

[CadyRandy]

Thank you Hokucat. I was checking back to see if anyone had any good tips since I am down to my last few lacriserts. I have ordered the Genteal Severe Eye Gel in hopes it will keep me sane.

[Mariez]

I am on my last box of Lacrisert. I have been cutting them in half. It would be really nice to have them back in stock. The treatment that worked the best for me in addition to Lacrisert is cod liver oil. I take two teaspoons of cod liver oil plus one teaspoon of a 3-6-9 blend every day. It resolved my dry eyes in 3 weeks. I needed to take the 3-6-9 blend because my blood tests showed an omega 3 imbalance. You need omegas from both plant and animal sources. Thank you, Rebecca, for providing common sense suggestions to treat dry eyes. I was spending way too much time and money on various drops that did not work and visits to an ophthalmologist who did nothing. Also the cod liver oil resolved some inflammation and stiffness in my hands so I think it is working to treat the inflammation.
I suggest everyone keep contacting Bausch & Lomb to get status updates on availability.

[TG Norway]

Today news in Norway:
Drug shortage: Thomas may lose his sight: - Unnecessary (www-tv2-no.translate.goog)
(are you able to read this by using google translate?)

This is about me..

[TG Norway]

Today news in Norway:
Drug shortage: Thomas may lose his sight: - Unnecessary (www-tv2-no.translate.goog)
(are you able to read this by using google translate?)

Are we able to make some pressure at the company?

[TG Norway]

Today news in Norway:
Drug shortage: Thomas may lose his sight: - Unnecessary (www-tv2-no.translate.goog)
(are you able to read this by using google translate?)

[orange86]

CadyRandy
Coop14
Hokucat

I have severe mgd, do Lacriserts help with this?

[Hokucat]

CadyRandy - When I used to have almost zero tear film, Genteal Severe Dry Eye gel was a lifesaver for me. Gave me some temporary relief nothing else could. The gel lasts longer on the eye than any drops and was more soothing and cushioning than any drops or PM night ointments. The ratings of the Genteal Gel are currently average based on the few customer ratings in the Dry Eye Shop, but just about every other place that sells it the customer ratings are very high. Like anything else, everyone is different. My eyes were so bone dry, Lacriserts didn’t work that well for me, I guess I didn’t have enough tears to make it start dissolving. It worked a tiny bit better when I also used a little saline or PF eye drops periodically while the Lacriserts were inserted. But after that I discovered the Genteal Gel which worked better, at least for me.

https://dryeyeshop.com/collections/d...ts/genteal-gel

Maybe trying some other gel or gel drop with different active ingredients would be a potential option if the Genteal gel does not help.

[LindaW]

Deleted by author

[CadyRandy]

I emailed B&L and they were very responsive. It sounds like they are working towards a resolution - restarting with a new supplier as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, it still looks like the second half of 2023 before we see it.

I am now hoarding my few lacriserts left for the days I have to go into the office. I am cutting them in thirds and am feeling quite desperate. Are there any favorite drops that work better than others for those who have no tear production? Very discouraged. Literally for the first time since the 80s have I gone without the lacrisert and the thought of putting drops in every hour is very depressing.

[xyz]

So it is December 12, 2021. Lacrisert is out of stock again. This product has suffered from chronic out of stocks over the years. I do not understand what it is so scarce and expensive. Call Bausch & Lomb and request that they find a way to manufacture it. It's just cellulose. Someone needs to develop an over the counter product and put it next to the eye drops in the retail aisle. And yes you can cut it in half to make it last. I use a razor blade. My doctor also prescribed an erythromycin ophthalmic ointment which I use at night if my eyes are dry and burning. It is available as a generic and is not expensive. Also, Norwegian cod liver oil has had a profound effect on my dry eyes. One tablespoon per day. I buy the liquid because I have trouble swallowing the gel caps.

Nail clippers work well too. Put the Lacrisert and the clippers in a plastic bag(hopefully sterile) to keep it from jumping across the room when you clip it. I always found it interesting that they seem to be variable in length(the Lacrisert). Am I correct about that ?

[Coop14]

I keep asking via their FB page and have now linked the YouTube above a couple of times as i think it is very well said. Same answer every time. Late 2023. It’s good to know that others from other countries like Spain are also asking. I am in Australia. Such a fabulous product but clearly not a money maker for them or i think there would be more speed.

[Rebecca Petris]

That is really great news. I did not know B&L were considering manufacturing it themselves - if so that's obviously a best case scenario for the product's long term prospects and makes me happy!

[xyz]

I spoke with B&L again. I have called them many times since they purchased "Lacrisert" as a result of similar shortages. They always seem to be a top notch company. I don't remember ever having to be on hold for long, and they always try to give you whatever information that they have.
It seems they are "recertifying" with the FDA with a completely new manufacturing process because the previous supplier was not able to consistently deliver. Between when I first read about "discontinuing" Lacrisert last night and speaking with them today I was very depressed as I also have relied heavily on Lacrisert for about 20 years now. After speaking with them I am confident that they are going to continue to support the product. The date they gave for availability was second half of 2023. In the past their estimates were based on another party delivering for them, but it appear that the current estimate is for B&L actually producing the product themselves. This is a huge relief.

[xyz]

The president of the dry eye association of Spain, Eduardo Baroja created a video pleading with the company that makes Lacrisert. It is very well done and worth watching:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMe_S6_1XYQ

Hopefully you are incorrect Rebecca, and the company will start making Lacrisert again in the near future.