From a member of a glaucoma support group who asked for help spreading the word on this:
Hello, my now-adult son is reliant on echothiophate iodide to control his aphakic glaucoma. Pfizer is discontinuing, and there is no other manufacturer for it or any alternative drug with the same mechanism of action.
Pfizer's decision to discontinue the only medication that controls my son's aphakic glaucoma has been devastating beyond words.
My son’s ophthalmologist is a super specialist in pediatric glaucoma. Secondary Aphakic glaucoma poses unique challenges. it’s a very different kind of glaucoma.
Most glaucoma drops work by either reducing aqueous production, or increasing drainage. In contrast, echothiophate Iodide works mechanically on the trabecular meshwork. I believe that Pilocarpine is similar, though my son’s ophthalmologist believes it has drawbacks beyond the fact that it must be used 4 times per day.
When I say that “no other medication” works for for my son….. he is on CoSopt, which as you are probably aware is a combo medication that both decreases aqueous production and increases outflow. My son’s doctor has added many other additional meds over the years that also work the same way— additively. But it was never enough. His pressures stayed over 20— up to 30+, until the use of echothiophate iodide.
My son’s doctor, and a small group of other pediatric glaucoma specialists, have looked worldwide for this medication, and they have been unable to find it.
