PJ Online: Products

The summary of product characteristics for Menorest (estradiol) patches from Novartis Pharmaceuticals has been amended. The recommendation that the product should not be refrigerated has been removed.

Altacite Plus suspension

Peckforton Pharmaceuticals has updated the summary of product characteristics for Altacite Plus. The section on pharmacokinetic properties now includes the statement: “The active ingredients hydrotalcite and activated dimethicone are not generally absorbed”.

Enbrel injection

The new summary of product characteristics for Enbrel (etanercept) injection from Wyeth Laboratories contains the following changes.

The special warnings and precautions section now includes the fact that serious sepsis has been reported with the use of Enbrel. The section also states that there have been postmarketing reports of central nervous system (CNS) demyelinating disorders in patients treated with Enbrel. It therefore recommends that a careful risk/benefit evaluation should be undertaken when prescribing Enbrel to patients with pre-existing or recent onset of CNS demyelinating disease.

The following have been added to the undesirable effects section: fever, pruritus, urticaria, seizures, angioedema and CNS demyelinating events suggestive of multiple sclerosis or localised demyelinating conditions such as optic neuritis.

The shelf life of Enbrel has been extended to three years.

Zoton capsules and suspension

The summary of product characteristics for Zoton capsules and suspension from Wyeth Laboratories has been amended. The posology and method of administration section now states that, in acid-related dyspepsia, Zoton can be taken in intermittent courses as required.

Discontinued

Melleril tablets

Novartis Pharmaceuticals is discontinuing 1,000-tablet bulk packs of Melleril (thioridazine) as soon as current stocks are exhausted.

Counter medicines

New Pharmaton packaging

The packaging of Pharmaton capsules has been redesigned. A gold-foil seal on the front of the pack draws attention to its constituent extract, ginseng G115.

Balneum Plus cream

Crookes Healthcare has launched a 500g pump-dispenser pack of Balneum Plus cream (net price, £19.50).

Products miscellany

Avance wound dressing

SSL International has launched Avance and Avance A, hydropolymer dressings for use on exudative wounds. Both products are reimbursable on the NHS. The comp-any says that the dressing contains a silver compound that acts as a broad spectrum antimicrobial, preventing wound infection and lowering the bacterial load in wounds that have already been infected. Avance (the non-adhesive form) is available in three sizes (net price 1, 10cm x 10cm £2.55, 17.5cm x 10cm £4.06, 20cm x 15cm £5.61) while Avance A (the adhesive form) is available in four sizes (net price 1, 9cm x 9cm £2.14, 12cm x 12cm £3.55, 15cm x 13cm £3.20, 15cm x 15cm £4.35).

Imutest home allergy test

Clinical Diagnostic Chemicals has launched Imutest, a range of six home testing kits for checking sensitivity to allergens. Imutest Allergy Check is for checking patients’ sensitivity to allergens and is useful in those who have no idea what the causes of their symptoms are. Other products in the range test for five of the most common allergies: cat, egg, hayfever, house dust mite and milk. Each kit contains a test unit which analyses the patient’s blood sample, a small bottle containing a solution and some sterile finger prickers. Results of the test are ready in 30 minutes. An allergy care nurse is available (tel 01492 573900) to provide support for users of Imutest (retail price, £9.99 per pack). Pharmacies can obtain supplies through their wholesalers.