Understanding the Refresh PM Shortage: Insights from Dave Gibson of Allergan



Hello everyone, this is Adam Farus, and I want to thank you for tuning in today. Over the last several months, there has been a significant buzz in the optometry community regarding the availability of Refresh PM. The shortage of this critical product has not only sparked conversations among doctors on OD Wire but has also raised concerns among patients who rely on it for their eye care. To delve deeper into the issue and provide some clarity, I had the opportunity to speak with Dave Gibson, the Associate Vice President of Consumer Eye Care and Customer Development at Allergan, the company responsible for manufacturing Refresh PM.

What’s Behind the Refresh PM Shortage?

The shortage of Refresh PM has been a major concern for both doctors and patients alike. Many have found it challenging to obtain this product, which plays an essential role in managing dry eye symptoms, particularly during the night. Dave Gibson explains that the shortage is primarily due to a backorder situation affecting both Refresh PM and Lacri-Lube. The root cause of this issue lies in difficulties related to sourcing the materials needed for the product’s packaging.

Allergan has traditionally used metal tubes for packaging these products. However, due to complications with their third-party vendor, which has supplied these materials for many years, Allergan has decided to transition to laminate tubes. This transition is not a simple one. It requires extensive testing to ensure that the new packaging meets the company’s stringent quality and safety standards, particularly given the delicate nature of ophthalmic medications.

“We’re in the process of switching to laminate tubes,” Dave elaborated, “but this transition unfortunately leads to an out-of-stock situation at retail locations across the country.” The rigorous testing, which includes stability and safety assessments, is essential to ensure that the new packaging can uphold the high standards required for eye care products.

When Can We Expect Refresh PM to Be Back on Shelves?

One of the most pressing questions for those who depend on Refresh PM is, "When will it be available again?" According to Dave, the current timeline suggests that shipments of Refresh PM will begin in July, with the product expected to be fully restocked in stores by August. While this may seem like a long wait for those who rely on the product, Dave reassures that the company is working diligently to expedite the process without compromising on quality.

To keep both healthcare professionals and patients informed, Allergan has set up a dedicated section on their website where users can sign up for updates. By visiting refreshbrand.com/ointment, both doctors and patients can register to receive notifications as soon as the product becomes available. Additionally, those who sign up will receive high-value coupons as a gesture of appreciation for their patience during this shortage.

Alternatives to Refresh PM During the Shortage

Given the ongoing shortage, many patients have been left wondering what alternatives are available. For those accustomed to using Refresh PM, Dave suggests considering Refresh Celluvisc as a temporary solution. This product offers a similar level of viscosity, which is crucial for patients seeking a thicker ointment to use overnight. Like Refresh PM, Refresh Celluvisc is preservative-free, making it a suitable alternative for those with sensitive eyes.

“Refresh Celluvisc is readily available in most drugstores, mass retailers, and large food chains,” Dave noted. However, he emphasized that the decision to switch products should ultimately be made by a healthcare professional, as each patient’s needs are unique.

New Developments in the Refresh Product Line

While discussing the shortage, Dave also took the opportunity to highlight some exciting new developments within the Refresh product line. Over the past two years, Allergan has introduced two innovative products that have already made a significant impact: Refresh Mega-3 and Refresh Repair.

  • Refresh Mega-3: This preservative-free eye drop is designed specifically for patients with evaporative dry eye associated with Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). What sets Refresh Mega-3 apart is its unique formulation, which includes carboxymethylcellulose (the main ingredient in most Refresh products), glycerin, polysorbate 80, and flaxseed oil. This combination not only provides medium viscosity but also delivers essential nutrients to support tear film stability, which is crucial for patients with MGD. Dave highlighted that patients have responded very positively to this product, appreciating its unique ability to address their dry eye symptoms effectively.

  • Refresh Repair: Launched in the summer of 2023, Refresh Repair is another groundbreaking product in the Refresh lineup. It is the first and only product in the U.S. that combines carboxymethylcellulose with hyaluronic acid (HA), an ingredient known for its exceptional moisturizing properties. Although HA is classified as an inactive ingredient in the U.S., its presence in Refresh Repair plays a critical role in promoting the healing of the corneal and conjunctival epithelia. This product is particularly beneficial for patients with dry eye disease, as it helps restore moisture to the tear film and improve visual performance. Additionally, Refresh Repair is safe for use with contact lenses, making it a versatile option for a wide range of patients.

What’s Next? Future Developments in the Refresh Line and Allergan’s Eye Care Portfolio

Dave also hinted at exciting new developments on the horizon for the Refresh brand. Given the success of Refresh Repair, Allergan plans to expand the line with two additional products set to launch later this summer. While Dave couldn’t disclose all the details just yet, he assured that these new products would continue to build on the brand’s reputation for innovation and quality in eye care.

Beyond the Refresh line, Allergan’s commitment to advancing eye care is evident in their broader portfolio. The company currently has 13 additional agents in development, targeting a range of ocular conditions. “We’re celebrating our 71st year in eye care at Allergan,” Dave shared, “and we’re proud to say that we have more mid to late-stage products in the pipeline than any other eye care company in the industry right now.” This extensive pipeline is a testament to Allergan’s ongoing dedication to improving the quality of life for patients with various eye conditions.

Updates on Restasis: A Key Player in Dry Eye Management

In addition to discussing the Refresh line, Dave provided an update on another cornerstone product in Allergan’s portfolio: Restasis. For patients whose dry eye symptoms are not adequately managed with artificial tears alone, Restasis offers a more robust solution. This prescription medication is designed to increase tear production in patients with chronic dry eye due to inflammation.

Restasis is available in preservative-free vials as well as in multi-dose bottles, catering to different patient preferences. Dave emphasized that the insurance coverage for Restasis is excellent, making it accessible to a wide range of patients. Moreover, Allergan has implemented generous savings programs that allow patients to pay as little as $5 for a 30-day or 90-day supply, depending on their insurance status.

To take advantage of these savings, patients can either visit Restasis.com or simply text the word “SAVE” to 72428. This convenient option ensures that patients can easily access the medication they need without financial burden.

Final Thoughts: A Commitment to Quality and Accessibility

As we concluded our conversation, Dave left us with some final thoughts. He reassured both doctors and patients that Allergan is working tirelessly to resolve the Refresh PM shortage and expects the product to be back on shelves by August. In the meantime, he encouraged healthcare professionals to explore the other options within the Refresh line and to stay informed through Allergan’s various resources.

Additionally, Dave highlighted Allergan’s unparalleled commitment to supporting the optometry community. With the largest pharmaceutical sales force dedicated to eye care, Allergan reaches out to approximately 20,000 optometrists across the United States. For those who may not have a dedicated sales representative, Allergan offers a direct line of communication through their support team, available at 1-800-416-8780. This service provides access to coupons, product information, samples, and more, ensuring that healthcare professionals have the resources they need to support their patients effectively.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the current shortage of Refresh PM has undoubtedly posed challenges for both healthcare providers and patients. However, with Allergan’s commitment to quality and their proactive efforts to address the situation, we can expect a resolution in the coming months. In the meantime, exploring alternative products within the Refresh line and staying informed through Allergan’s resources can help mitigate the impact of this temporary disruption.

Thank you for joining us today, and a special thank you to Dave Gibson for providing such valuable insights. We’ll continue to keep you updated as more information becomes available.

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