The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 269 No 7218 p481
5 October 2002

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Products

Prescription Products
• Fenofibrate capsules
• APS/Berk introductions
• Diltiazem XL capsules
• Diethylstilbestrol extension
• Phosphate enema
• Rosemont solutions
Discontinued products
• Butacote tablets
• Proluton Depot
Counter medicines
• Sedonium

Prescription Products

Fenofibrate capsules

Fenogal (fenofibrate) 200mg capsules have been introduced (Genus Pharmaceuticals); pack size 30, £14.75.

APS/Berk introductions

The following products have been introduced (APS/Berk):

• Co-codamol 500/8 tablets; pack size 32, £0.85

• Ferrous sulphate 200mg tablets; 100, £3.21

• Gliclazide 80mg tablets; 60, £6.96

• Paracetamol 500mg caplets; 32, £0.85

Diltiazem XL capsules

Diltiazem hydrochloride XL modified-release capsules have been launched (PLIVA Pharma); net price 180mg 28 £7.55, 240mg 28 £8, 300mg 28 £8.25.

Diethylstilbestrol extension

The expiry date for batch 500940 of APS/Berk's diethylstilbestrol (stilboestrol) 5mg tablets has been extended by 12 months to December 2003 following a batch-specific licence variation. This is the only stock of this product available. Cartons and blisters have been overlabelled with the new expiry date. Details from APS 01323 501111.

Phosphate enema

Fletcher's phosphate long tube enema has been reformulated in plastic bottles with a separate applicator, extension tube and nozzle for attachment before use (Forest Laboratories). The long tube bag version is discontinued. Details from Forest on 01322 550550.

Rosemont solutions

Rosemont Pharmaceuticals has launched the following as licensed products:

• Cimetidine 200mg/5ml sugar free oral solution, peach and peppermint flavour; net price, 300ml £14.24

• Dipyridamole 50mg/5ml oral suspension, almond and menthol flavour; net price 150ml £34

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Discontinued products

Butacote tablets

Butacote (phenylbutazone) 100mg tablets are being discontinued for commercial and manufacturing reasons (Novartis Pharmaceuticals). The company advises that, because this is the only licensed phenylbutazone product in the United Kingdom, patients should be transferred to an alternative therapy or supplies sourced from overseas. Further details on 01276 698370.

Proluton Depot

Proluton Depot (hydroxyprogesterone caproate) 250mg injection is being discontinued and stocks of the product are nearly exhausted (Schering Health Care).

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Counter medicines

Sedonium

Sedonium (standardised LI-156 extract of dried valerian root) tablets have been launched for sleep and stress (Lichtwer Pharma). Dosage as an aid to sleep is two tablets half to one hour before bedtime, for mild forms of stress and strain up to two tablets up to three times daily; retail price, 300mg 30 £5.99. Legal category: pharmacy medicine.

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