PJ Online: Products

Further to recent problems in maintaining supplies of Marcain (bupivacaine hydrochloride) 0.5 per cent Polyamp Steripacks, AstraZeneca expects full supply to be restored in September. In the meantime, all remaining stock will be forwarded to the NHS Purchasing and Supply Agency (PASA) and all hospitals requiring the product will need to order supplies from their local PASA store. Further information can be obtained from the company’s medical information department (tel 0800 783 0033, e-mail Medical.InformationGB@astrazeneca.com).

Discontinued products

Hydrosaluric tablets

Merck Sharp & Dohme is discontinuing Hydrosaluric (hydrochloro-thiazide) 25mg and 50mg tablets. Stocks of the 50mg tablet are expected to run out this month and stocks of the 25mg tablet are expected to run out in September. Further information can be obtained by contacting the company’s medical information department (tel 01992 467272).

Withdrawn

Lipobay tablets

Bayer is withdrawing all strengths of Lipobay (cerivastatin sodium) tablets, with immediate effect. Further information can be obtained from Bayer (tel 01635 563000).

Counter medicines

Lemsip Pharmacy non-decongestant formula

Reckitt Benckiser Healthcare is launching Lemsip Pharmacy non-decongestant formula sachets for the relief of cold and influenza symptoms. The pharmacy only product contains paracetamol 1,000mg and ascorbic acid 100mg (retail price, 10 sachets £3.99).