PJ Online | Products (30 November 2002)

FemSeven Conti (estradiol hemihydrate 1.5mg with levonorgestrel 0.525mg) transdermal patches, releasing 50µg of estradiol and 7µg of levonorgestrel per 24 hours, are being launched (Merck Pharmaceuticals); net price, 4 Ł12.90, 12 Ł36.77. The product is indicated for hormone replacement therapy for oestrogen deficiency symptoms in postmenopausal women more than one year after menopause.

BCG vaccine SSI

BCG vaccine SSI (Mycobacterium bovine bacillus Calmette-Guérin) powder for suspension for injection has been launched (Statens Serum Institut). The vaccine is being distributed by Farillon. For medical information enquiries contact SSI (tel 00 45 3268 3436, fax 00 45 3268 3973, e-mail AMP@ssi.dk).

Cefotaxime and ceftriazone

The following products will be available in packs of 25 vials as of 1 December (Genus Pharmaceuticals):

• Cefotaxime 1g vials; net price, 25 Ł112.50

• Ceftriaxone 1g, net price, 25 Ł248.75

Sustiva tablets

Sustiva (efavirenz) 600mg tablets have been launched (Bristol-Myers Squibb); net price, 30 Ł224.09.

Codipar Caplets

Codipar (codeine phosphate 15mg and paracetamol 500mg) Caplets have been launched (Goldshield Pharmaceuticals); net price, 100 Ł7.15.

Loratadine tablets

Loratadine 10mg tablets have been launched (Niche Generics); net price, 30 Ł6.43.

SPC changes

Symmetrel capsules

The summary of product characteristics for Symmetrel (amantadine) capsules has been updated. The special warnings and precautions for use section now states that a similar reaction to neuroleptic malignant syndrome or neuroleptic-induced catatonia, following abrupt withdrawal of amantadine in patients taking neuroleptic agents, has also been reported rarely following withdrawal of amantadine and other anti-parkinson agents in patients who were not taking concurrent psychoactive medication. Neuroleptic malignant-like syndrome has been added to the undesirable effects section. See SPC.

Discontinued products

Shire products

The following products are being discontinued (Shire Pharmaceuticals):

• Calcidrink (calcium carbonate) sachets, pack size 30

• Guarem (guar gum) 5g sachets, pack sizes 50 and 100

• Isordil (isosorbide dinitrate) 10mg and 30mg tablets, pack size 112

Semprex capsules

Semprex (acrivastine) 8mg capsules are being discontinued (GlaxoSmithKline). Supplies are expected to remain available until April next year.

Disprin tablets

The 8-tablet pack size of Disprin (aspirin) 300mg tablets has been discontinued with immediate effect (Reckitt Benckiser Healthcare).

Optimine syrup

Optimine (azatadine maleate) 500µg/5ml syrup has been discontinued (Schering-Plough).

Supply problems

Co-amilofruse tablets

Co-amilofruse (amiloride hydro-chloride and furosemide) 2.5/20 and 5/40 tablets, pack size 28, are temporarily out of stock (Alpharma). This is because of changes in the manufacturing process.

Counter medicines

Benylin Day & Night tablets

The formulation of the day tablets in packs of Benylin Day and Night has been changed (Pfizer and Warner Lambert Healthcare). Phenylpropanolamine hydrochloride 25mg has been replaced with pseudoephedrine hydrochloride 25mg. The tablets still contain paracetamol 500mg.

Products miscellany

NicoBloc drops

NicoBloc drops, a smoking cessation aid, has been launched (Rosen Holdings); net price, 1 bottle Ł29.45. The drops should be applied to the filter of each cigarette immediately before smoking — one drop per cigarette during week one, two drops during week two and three drops from week three onwards. Fluid soaks into the cigarette filter, trapping nicotine and tar and preventing them from entering the body. The product is being distributed by Galpharm Healthcare, Upper Cliffe Road, Dodworth Business Park, Dodworth, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S75 3SP (tel 01226 779911, fax 01226 779168).