What to do if Xalatan is in shortage — for South Korea
Drug shortages happen periodically — manufacturing issues, supply chain disruptions, regulatory holds — and Xalatan (Latanoprost) may become temporarily unavailable in some pharmacies or countries. For chronic users at 0.005%, knowing how to handle a shortage prevents unnecessary treatment interruption.
South Korea context
Drug shortages in South Korea are tracked by MFDS (Ministry of Food and Drug Safety) when significant. For Xalatan, shortage of one strength or one manufacturer rarely means total unavailability of Latanoprost — authorised generics or alternative manufacturers usually fill the gap, with the pharmacist coordinating substitution and the prescriber confirming any formulation change at 0.005%.
- Regulator
- MFDS (Ministry of Food and Drug Safety)
- Currency
- KRW
How shortages work for Xalatan
When Xalatan is in shortage, the pharmacist usually has several options: dispense an authorised generic of Latanoprost, source from a different manufacturer of the same active ingredient, suggest a different formulation (e.g. liquid, dispersible) or, in extended shortages, ask the prescriber to consider an alternative Eye Care and Ophthalmic Treatments agent. Latanoprost is a prodrug ester hydrolysed by corneal esterases to its active free acid, which selectively binds the prostaglandin F (FP) receptor.
Practical steps
According to general pharmacy practice, the first step in a Xalatan shortage is to ask the pharmacist about authorised generic availability — most shortages affect a single brand or strength, not the entire supply of Latanoprost at 0.005%. The prescriber should be informed if the pharmacist needs to substitute or change formulation. Stockpiling or buying extra outside regulated channels is not the right response.
Frequently asked questions
What do I do if my pharmacy doesn't have Xalatan? ▾
Ask the pharmacist whether an authorised generic of Latanoprost is available — usually yes — or whether another pharmacy in the area has stock of Xalatan at 0.005%. The pharmacist can also contact the prescriber if a formulation switch is needed.
Will Xalatan come back in stock? ▾
Most shortages are resolved within weeks to months as manufacturing or supply issues are fixed. Until then, the authorised generic of Latanoprost is the standard alternative and is clinically equivalent to Xalatan at the same 0.005% strength.
What to do if Xalatan is in shortage in other countries
- the United StatesFDA (Food and Drug Administration)
- the United KingdomMHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency)
- SpainAEMPS (Agencia Española de Medicamentos y Productos Sanitarios)
- MexicoCOFEPRIS (Comisión Federal para la Protección contra Riesgos Sanitarios)
- ArgentinaANMAT (Administración Nacional de Medicamentos, Alimentos y Tecnología Médica)
- GermanyBfArM (Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte)
- FranceANSM (Agence nationale de sécurité du médicament et des produits de santé)
- ItalyAIFA (Agenzia Italiana del Farmaco)
- BrazilANVISA (Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária)
The information on this website is provided for reference and educational purposes only. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.