PJ Online | Products

Indications: Decrease of elevated intraocular pressure in patients with ocular hypertension or open-angle glaucoma who are intolerant or insufficiently responsive to another intraocular pressure lowering medication, as monotherapy or as adjunctive therapy.

Major cautions and precautions: Travoprost may gradually change the colour of the iris and patients must be informed of this before treatment. It may also result in changes to eyelashes, including increases in length, thickness, pigmentation and/or number of lashes. Skin contact must be avoided. Travoprost should not be used during pregnancy unless clearly necessary and must not be used by women who may become pregnant unless adequate contraception is used. Use by breast-feeding mothers is not recommended.

Legal category: POM.

Net price: 2.5ml Ł11.46

Contact details: Alcon Laboratories (UK), Pentagon Park, Boundary Way, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire HP2 7UD. Tel 01442 341234, fax 01442341200.

See SPC for further details.

Ceprotin injection

Composition: Human protein C 100iu/ml.

Presentation: Powder for solution for injection.

Class: Antithrombotic.

Indications: Treatment of purpura fulminans and coumarin-induced skin necrosis in patients with severe congenital protein C deficiency. Short-term prophylaxis in patients with severe congenital protein C deficiency if one or more of the following conditions are met: surgery or invasive therapy is imminent; while initiating coumarin therapy; when coumarin therapy alone is not sufficient and when coumarin therapy is not feasible.

Major cautions and precautions: Patients should be informed of the early signs of hypersensitivity reactions, including hives, generalised urticaria, tightness of chest, wheezing, hypotension and anaphylaxis. Patients should inform their physician if these symptoms occur and immediate discontinuation of the product is advised. The quantity of sodium in the maximum daily dose may exceed 200mg. Ceprotin may contain traces of heparin.

Legal category: POM.

Net price: 500iu vial Ł1,000, 1,000iu vial Ł2,000.

Contact details: Baxter Healthcare BioScience, Wallingford Road, Compton, Newbury RG20 7QW. Tel 01635 206345, fax 01635 206373.

See SPC for further details.

Paroxetine tablets

Paroxetine hydrochloride 20mg tablets, pack size 30 have been launched (IVAX Pharmaceuticals); net price, Ł15.98.

Domperidone tablets

Domperidone 10mg tablets have been launched (Dominion Pharma); net price, 30 Ł2.30 100 Ł7.80.

Sinclair products

Durbin has acquired the rights to sell and distribute the following products (Sinclair):

• Ledclair (sodium calcium edetate) 200mg/ml injection

• Limclair (trisodium edetate) 200mg/ml injection

• Valclair (diazepam) 10mg suppositories

• Ferfolic SV (ferrous gluconate 250mg, folic acid 4mg, ascorbic acid 10mg) tablets

These products should be ordered from Durbin (tel 020 8869 6500). Orders for all other Sinclair products should continue to be placed with Sinclair (tel 01483 426644). All Sinclair products will now be distributed by Durbin.

Discontinued products

Testosterone patches

Testoderm (testosterone) transdermal patches and Virormone (testosterone) transdermal patches will be discontinued as from 1 January 2002 (Alza Corporation). Both products are currently supplied in the United Kingdom by Ferring Pharmaceuticals. Supply will come to end on 31 December. Further information can be obtained from medical information, Ferring Pharmaceuticals (tel 01753 214845).

SPC changes

Vioxx new indication

The licensed indications for Vioxx (rofecoxib) tablets and oral suspension have been extended. Vioxx is now additionally indicated for symptomatic relief in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in adults. The maximum recommended daily dose is 25mg.

Mirapexin tablets

Sugar-free formulations of pholcodine linctus (retail price, £1.55) and simple linctus (retail price, £1.09) have been launched (Numark). Both products are pharmacy medicines.

Fosamax new indication

The licensed indications for Fosamax (alendronate sodium) tablets have been extended. Fosamax is now additionally licensed for the treatment of osteoporosis in men to prevent fractures. The recommended dose is 10mg daily.

Products miscellany

Dandrid shampoo

Dandrid (ketoconazole 1 per cent) shampoo, pack size 100ml, has been launched (Lagap Pharmaceuticals); net price, £2.51, retail price, £4.29. The product is not licensed as a medicine.