PJ Online | Products (14 September 2002)

Major cautions and contra-indications: Tiotropium is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to atropine or its derivatives, ie, ipratropium or oxitropium, or the excipient lactose monohydrate. Tiotropium should not be used for the initial treatment of acute episodes of bronchospasm (ie, rescue therapy). Co-administration of tiotropium with other anticholinergics is not recommended.

Side effects: Very common (>10 per cent) adverse event is dry mouth; common adverse events (>1 per cent) are constipation, moniliasis, sinusitis and pharyngitis.

Legal category: POM.

Net price: Combopack containing 30 capsules and a HandiHaler device Ł37.62, Refill pack 30 capsules Ł36.60.

Contact details: Boehringer Ingelheim, Ellesfield Avenue, Bracknell, Berkshire RG12 8YS. Tel customer services 01344 741101, enquiries 0845 602 3809; fax 01344 741298.

See SPC for further details.

Nizatidine capsules

Alpharma has launched nizatidine capsules; net price, 150mg 30 Ł8.27, 300mg 30 Ł16.40.

SPC changes

Nexium tablets

The summary of product characteristics for Nexium (esomeprazole) tablets has been updated (Astra-Zeneca). The interactions section states that a few isolated cases of elevated international normalised ratio have been reported during post-marketing when esomeprazole 40mg was administered to warfarin-treated patients. Monitoring is recommended when initiating and ending concomitant treatment with warfarin. The following rare (>0.01 per cent, <0.1 per cent) adverse event has been added: Hypersensitivity reactions, eg, angioedema and anaphylactic reaction. The overdose section states that the symptoms described in connection with a dose of 280mg were gastrointestinal symptoms and weakness.

Discontinued products

Inhalet spacer device

The Inhalet spacer device has now been removed from packs of Pulmicort (budesonide) inhaler (Astra-Zeneca). Discontinuation of the device from packs of Pulmicort LS inhaler and Bricanyl (terbutaline) spacer inhaler is expected to have been completed by the end of this year. See PJ, 6 April, p463.

Rapamune sachets

Rapamune (sirolimus) 1ml and 2ml sachets have been discontinued with immediate effect (Wyeth Pharmaceuticals).

Betnovate rectal ointment

Betnovate rectal ointment is being discontinued (GlaxoSmithKline). Supplies are expected to be available until December.

Mexitil PL Perlongets

Mexitil PL (mexiletine hydrochloride) Perlongets are being discontinued. Stocks are expected to be exhausted during October (Boeh-ringer Ingelheim).

Supply problems

Calcitriol capsules

Calcitriol 0.25µg and 0.5µg capsules, pack size 30, are now available again from APS/Berk.

Counter medicines

Senokot Double Strength tablets

Senokot Double Strength 15mg tablets have been launched (Reckitt Benckiser Healthcare); retail price, 24 Ł3.40. Legal category: pharmacy medicine.

Nurofen for Children Singles

Nurofen for Children Singles sachets containing ibuprofen 100mg/5ml suspension, available in an orange flavour, have been launched (Crookes Healthcare); retail price, 8 sachets Ł2.79, 16 sachets Ł4.99. Legal category: general sale list.

Nurofen new packaging

The packaging of the 12-tablet pack of Nurofen (ibuprofen) 200mg tablets has been redesigned as shown below; retail price, Ł2.49 (Crookes Healthcare).

NiQuitin CQ mint gum

NiQuitin CQ 2mg and 4mg mint gum has been launched (GlaxoSmithKline); retail price, both strengths 12 Ł2.99, 24 Ł5.69, 96 Ł17.49.

Products miscellany

Lidcare eyelid hygiene system

The volume of solution in the Lidcare eyelid hygiene system has been increased from 80ml to 100ml (Novartis Pharmaceuticals).