PJ Online: Products

Indications: Treatment of symptoms associated with allergic conditions such as seasonal allergic rhinitis (including ocular symptoms), perennial allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria.

Major cautions: Not recommended for use in children less than six years of age. Levocetirizine is contraindicated in severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance less than 10ml/min). Patients with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, Lapp lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption should not take Xyzal tablets.

Legal category: POM.

Net price: 30 tablets £7.45.

Contact details: UCB Pharma, UCB House, 3 George Street, Watfordshire WD18 OUH. Tel 01923 211811, fax 01923 229002.

ViATIM vaccine

ViATIM vaccine, a combination of purified Vi polysaccharide typhoid (Typhim Vi) and inactivated hepatitis A (Avaxim) vaccines, has been launched (Aventis Pasteur MSD). ViATIM provides protection against typhoid fever and hepatitis A virus infection within 14 days after immunisation (net price, 1 dose £32.49).

Xalatan eye-drops

A new bottle-tip has been introduced to bottles of Xalatan (latanoprost) eye-drops (Pharmacia) to help patients administer single drops. The rest of the bottle and the formulation remain the same.

SPC changes

NeoRecormon

The summary of product characteristics for NeoRecormon (epoetin beta) has been updated (Roche). The following dosing schedule has been added to the posology and method of administration section for patients on maintenance treatment of anaemia associated with chronic renal failure (renal anaemia): “In the case of subcutaneous administration, the weekly dose can be given as one injection per week or in divided doses three or seven times per week.” The following statement has also been added: “Treatment with NeoRecormon is normally a long-term therapy. It can, however, be interrupted, if necessary, at any time. Data on the once weekly dosing schedule are based on clinical studies with a treatment duration of 24 weeks.”

Discontinued products

Frumil tablets

The 100-tablet pack size of Frumil (amiloride hydrochloride 5mg, furosemide 40mg) tablets has been discontinued with immediate effect (Helios Healthcare).

Leo Pharmaceuticals products

The following products are being discontinued (Leo Pharmaceuticals):

• Heplok (heparin sodium 10iu/ml) solution

• Hep-Flush (heparin sodium 100iu/ml) solution

• Pump-Hep (heparin sodium [mucous] 1,000iu/ml) injection

• Burinex (bumetanide) 1mg/5ml liquid, pack size 150ml

• Burinex injection 0.5mg/ml, 5 x 4ml ampoules

Counter medicines

Daktacort HC cream

Daktacort HC (hydrocortisone [as acetate] 1 per cent), miconazole nitrate 2 per cent) cream (Janssen-Cilag). The cream is a pharmacy only product and is indicated for sweat rash (candidal intertrigo) and athletes foot associated with fungi and bacteria where inflammation is present. For adults and children over 10 years of age, the cream should be applied to the affected area twice daily. The maximum treatment period is seven days. It should not be used on the face, eyes, mucosal membranes or anogenital region (retail price, 15g £4.79). Johnson & Johnson MSD Consumer Pharmaceuticals is responsible for the marketing and distribution of the product.

Products miscellany

Accu-Chek Active

Accu-Chek Active, a blood glucose monitoring system, has been launched (Roche Diagnostics) (retail price, £20). The system replaces Accu-Chek Glucotrend 2.

Aveeno lotion

Aveeno lotion, containing colloidal oatmeal, has been launched (Bioglan Laboratories). The product is approved by the Advisory Committee on Borderline Substances for the treatment of dry skin conditions, including those associated with eczema and dermatitis (net price, 400ml pump dispenser £6.02). Orders should be placed with Johnson & Johnson (tel 01628 821327).