PJ Online | Products (8 June 2002)

Genus Pharmaceuticals has modified the formulation of its oxazepam 10mg and 15mg tablets. Calcium hydrogen phosphate and methylcellulose have been removed from the formulations and the 10mg tablets now contain 68.1mg of lactose per tablet and the 15mg tablets contain 64.1mg of lactose per tablet.

Dynamin XL capsules

Dynamin XL (isosorbide mononitrate) capsules, pack size 28, are being launched (APS/Berk); net price, 25mg £6, 50mg £9.70.

Novofem combination packs

Novofem packs, consisting of 12 tablets containing estradiol hemi-hydrate (equivalent to anhydrous estradiol 1mg) and norethisterone acetate 1mg and 16 tablets containing estradiol hemihydrate, have been launched (Novo Nordisk); net price, £4.50. Novofem is indicated for hormone replacement therapy for oestrogen deficiency syndrome in postmenopausal women with an intact uterus and for the prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis in women with an increased risk for fracture osteoporotic fractures.

Kenalog injection

The text on the packaging for Kenalog (triamcinolone acetonide) injection has been amended (Bristol-Myers Squibb). It now states that "the needle provided with the ready-filled syringe is for deep intramuscular injection into the gluteal muscle only" rather than that the injection is for deep intramuscular injection into the gluteal muscle only. This is to clarify that Kenalog injection is for both intramuscular and intra-articular use and that the needle is for deep intramuscular use only. The patient information leaflet has been updated accordingly.

SPC changes

Sustiva capsules

The summary of product characteristics for Sustiva (efavirenz) has been updated (Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharmaceuticals). Information regarding long-term carcinogenicity studies has been added to the preclinical safety data section as has information on non-sustained convulsions. See SPC.

Discontinued products

Wyeth products

The following products have been discontinued with immediate effect (Wyeth Pharmaceuticals).

• Ovran (levonorgestrel, ethinyl-estradiol), pack size 21

• Achromycin (tetracycline hydro-chloride) 250mg capsules, pack size 28

Cortisyl tablets

Cortisyl (cortisone acetate) 25mg tablets, pack size 56, are being discontinued (Aventis Pharma). Any quiries should be directed to the company's customer care department (tel 0870 513 3347).

Prostin E2 oral tablets

Prostin E2 (dinoprostone) 500µg tablets are being discontinued (Pharmacia).

Alpharma products

The following products have been deleted from the Alpharma range:

• Codeine phosphate 60mg tablets, pack size 100. The 28-tablet packs remain available

• Nifedipress MR (nifedipine) 10mg tablets, pack size 56

Supply problems

Macrobid capsules

Macrobid (nitrofurantoin) 100mg capsules are now back in stock (Goldshield Pharmaceuticals).

Counter medicines

Zirtek new pack size

A 14-tablet pack size of Zirtek (cetirizine) 10mg tablets has been launched (UCB Pharma); retail price, £7.95. Legal category: pharmacy medicine.

Products miscellany

Accu-Chek Compact

Accu-Chek Compact has been launched for self-monitoring blood glucose levels (Roche Diagnostics); retail price, £25.