MSD has redesigned the pipettes for its Cosopt Preservative-Free (PF) single dose eye drops for a second time following complaints that they were causing eye injuries.

The manufacturer had received 69 complaints since it launched its new packaging in July last year, the MHRA said on Tuesday (January 28). The wings and the pieces of plastic around the pipettes made the drops difficult to use and caused eye injuries, glaucoma patients had found.

The redesigned pipettes (far right) should be easier and safer to use than the previous two designs (left and centre), MSD has said	More from the MHRA Incorrect strength printed on Matrifen patches MHRA warns of Jext adrenalin injector manufacturing fault Hypertension patients could overdose due to printing error, warns MHRA
	MSD had therefore cut back the new wings on the pipettes and written to healthcare professionals to tell them about the new ‘streamlined' tip, which would be available from February 10, the medicines watchdog said.

The Commission on Human Medicines had reviewed both the old and the new pipettes and, although it still had concerns over the new version, it agreed to allow them as an interim measure to prevent a shortage, the MHRA said.

The old design would be withdrawn next month after new stock was released, MSD said. It warned that patients may need help in using the modified design correctly, as the images on the patient information leaflets still referred to the old version.

It urged pharmacists to report any complaints or adverse effects for monitoring via the Yellow Card reporting scheme or MSD's medical information line on 01992 467272.