The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 268 No 7197 p633-640
11 May 2002
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The Pharmaceutical Journal |
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Prescription Products Presentation: Transdermal patch. Class: Opioid analgesic. Indications: Moderate to severe cancer pain and severe pain which does not respond to non-opioid analgesics. Transtec is not suitable for the treatment of acute pain. Major cautions and contra-indications: Transtec patches are contraindicated in the following cases: opioid-dependent patients and for narcotic withdrawal treatment; conditions in which the respiratory centre and function are severely impaired or may become so; in patients who are receiving monoamine-oxidase inhibitors or have taken them within the past two weeks; myasthenia gravis; delirium tremens. The patches are contraindicated during pregnancy and use should be avoided during lactation. Transtec transdermal patches are not recommended in patients under 18 years of age. Dosage: Usual starting dose in opioid-naive patients is one 35µg/hour patch and can be titrated up to a maximum of two 70µg/hour patches. See SPC for transferring patients from buprenorphine or other opioids to Transtec transdermal patches and other details. Legal category: POM, CD(Sch 3). Net price: Packs of 5 patches, 35µg/hour £28.97, 52.5µg/hour £43.46, 70µg/hour £57.94. Contact details: Napp Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge CB4 0GW. Tel 01223 424444, fax 01223 424441. See SPC for further details. Monomax XL (isosorbide mononitrate) 60mg tablets have been launched (Trinity Pharmaceuticals); net price, 28 £7.99. |
SPC changesThe data sheet for Novantrone (mitoxantrone) 2mg/ml injection has been updated to a summary of product characteristics and additions have been made (Wyeth Pharmaceuticals). The special warnings and precautions for use section now states: "In the absence of sufficient efficacy data, mitoxantrone must not be used as adjuvant treatment of non-metastatic breast cancer." Skin rashes has been added to the undesirable effects section. Hyperuricaemia has also been reported. See SPC. The summary of product characteristics for Fludara oral (fludarabine phosphate) 10mg tablets has been revised (Schering Health Care). A table providing guidance on the number of Fludara oral 10mg tablets to be administered has been added to the posology and method of administration section. Information on dosage adjustments according to observed haematological toxicity has been added. See SPC. |
Discontinued productsSaventrine (isoprenaline hydrochloride) 2mg/2ml IV ampoules have been discontinued (Forest Laboratories). |
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Composition:
Buprenorphine 20mg (35µg/hour), 30mg (52.5µg/hour) and 40mg (70µg/hour).