Products

Prescription Products NeoRecormon new indication Schering-Plough SPC changes Lioresal Intrathecal Wyeth products Cardura XL tablets Pennsaid topical solution Discontinued Intraval Sodium Miscellany Saliva stimulating tablets Recall Glyceryl 500µg tablets Price changes

Prescription Products NeoRecormon new indication The licensed indications for Roche Products's NeoRecormon (epoetin beta) have been extended. NeoRecormon is now additionally licensed for the treatment of anaemia in adult patients with multiple myeloma, low grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma or chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, who have a relative erythropoietin deficiency and are receiving antitumour therapy. The summary of product characterisitics defines deficiency as an inappropriately low serum erythropoietin level in relation to the degree of anaemia. Schering-Plough SPC changes The summaries of product characteristics for the following Schering-Plough products have been updated: Rebetol (ribavirin) 200mg capsules; ViraferonPeg (peginterferon alfa-2b) 50µg, 80µg, 100µg, 120µg and 150µg powder and solvent for solution for injection; Remicade (infliximab) 100mg powder for concentrate for solution for infusion. The therapeutic indications section for all three products have been revised. Rebetol must be used in combination with peginterferon alfa-2b or interferon alfa-2b. “The best way to use ViraferonPeg” is in combination with ribavirin. The rheumatoid arthritis indication for Remicade (infliximab) has been amended to include “improvement in physical function” in patients with active disease where the response to disease-modifying drugs, including methotrexate, has been inadequate. In such patients, a reduction in the rate of progression of joint damage has been demonstrated. The special warnings and precautions section for Remicade has been extended and includes information on tuberculosis. Before starting treatment, patients should be evaluated for both active and inactive (latent) tuberculosis. If active tuberculosis is suspected during treamtent, treatment should be stopped until diagnosis is ruled out or the infection has been treated. The shelf-life of Remicade has been increased from 24 to 36 months. Lioresal Intrathecal Novartis Pharmaceuticals has amended the summary of product characteristics for Lioresal Intrathecal injection. Autonomic dysfunction, including hyperthermia, has been reported following sudden withdrawal of the product. The following statement has been added to the undesirable effects section: Intrathecal Lioresal may compromise erection and ejaculation. This effect is usually reversible on withdrawal. Wyeth products Wyeth Laboratories has revised the summaries of product characteristics for Zoton (lansoprazole) 15mg and 30mg capsules, Zoton 30mg suspension and HeliClear (combination pack containing Klaricid [clarithro-mycin] 500mg tablets, Zoton 30mg capsules and amoxicillin 500mg capsules). Toxic epidermal necrolysis and Stevens-Johnson syndrome have been added to the undesirable effects section for lansoprazole in all three SPCs. For Heliclear, pancreatitis and convulsions, which have been reported with clarithro-mycin, have been added to the undesirable effects section and tacrolimus has been added to the interactions section. The data sheet for Monocor (bisoprolol fumarate) 5mg and 10mg tablets has been replaced by an SPC and additional information included. The undesirable effects section now additionally states: “As with other beta-blockers, there have been rare reports of heart block and exacerbation of heart failure.” Cardura XL tablets Cardura XL (doxazosin mesilate) tablets have been launched by Pfizer (net price, 4mg 28 £14.08; 8mg 28 £28.16). Pennsaid topical solution Provalis Healthcare has launched Pennsaid (diclofenac sodium) topical solution 1.5 per cent for the treatment of pain associated with osteoarthritis of superficial joints of medium to large size, including the knee and elbow. After washing the treatment site with soap and water, 20 or 40 drops of the product should be applied in aliquots of five or 10 drops and spread with as little rubbing as possible. The procedure should be repeated four times a day. Pennsaid topical solution is not recommended for use in children (net price, 60ml £16). Back to Top

Discontinued Intraval Sodium Aventis Pharma has discontinued Intraval Sodium (thiopentone sodium) ampoules and Intraval Sodium with water for injection ampoules, pack size 25. Back to Top

Miscellany Saliva stimulating tablets Sinclair Pharmaceuticals says that SST (saliva stimulating tablets) is classified as a Class I device and is available on the Drug Tariff (Part IXA — appliances). It is available both on prescription and over the counter. AAH, Phoenix Healthcare and some other wholesalers have stocks. Further information on receiving supplies of the product can be obtained from the company (tel 0800 614375) or from the website www.sst-drymouth.com. Back to Top

Glyceryl trinitrate 500µg tablets (April 10) Alpharma has recalled the following batches of glyceryl trinitrate 500µg tablets, which are in the livery of Cox Pharmaceuticals: GF619 December 2002 100 GF620 February 2003 100 GF621 February 2003 100
Batch number	Expiry date	Pack size
GF619	December 2002	100
GF620	February 2003	100
GF621	February 2003	100
Some bottles may be contaminated with glass slivers because of a manufacturing fault with the glass bottles. Recipients are requested to quarantine stock and return it to their supplier for credit or replacement. Further information can be obtained from Alpharma (tel 01271 311355). Back to Top

Price changes The price changes given below are in pounds and pence, light type indicating the price to pharmacists excluding VAT and heavy type the price to the public including VAT. In the case of medicines dispensed on a doctor's prescription, VAT is not charged to the patient. Pharmax Healthcare (increased from April 1) EFFICO tonic 300ml x 12 £27.36, each £3.89 500ml x 6 £17.58, each £4.99 INFACOL suspension 50ml x 12 £22.92, each £3.19 SUDOCREM cream 30mg x 12 £10.68, each £1.49 60mg x 12 £12.12, each £1.69 125mg x 12 £18.24, each £2.55 250mg x 12 £31.20, each £4.35 400g x 6 £22.56, each £6.29 VASOGEN cream 50g x 12 £8.88, each £1.29 100mg x 12 £15.60, each £2.25 Goldshield Pharmaceuticals (increased from April 9) ASERBINE cream 100g £2.41, each £4.23 solution 500ml £3.61, each £6.34 Back to Top

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