The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 270 No 7231 p47
11 January 2003

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Reprint
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Products

Prescription Products
• Movicol-Half sachets
SPC changes
• Glivec new indication
• Oramorph unit dose vials
Discontinued products
• Xylocaine with adrenaline
• Diclofenac sodium tablets
Supply problems
• Depo-Provera vials
• Intal inhalers
Products miscellany
• Aloclair mouth wash

Prescription Products

Movicol-Half sachets

Movicol-Half sachets, each containing macrogol 3350 6.563g, sodium chloride 175.4mg, sodium bicarbonate 89.3mg and potassium chloride 23.3mg, have been launched (Norgine); net price, 20 £2.99, 30 £4.48. Legal category: pharmacy medicine.

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SPC changes

Glivec new indication

The licensed indications for Glivec (imatinib) capsules have been extended (Novartis Pharmaceuticals). Glivec is now additionally indicated for the treatment of patients with newly diagnosed Philadelphia chromosome (Bcr-Abl) positive chronic myeloid leukaemia for whom bone marrow transplantation is not considered as first-line treatment. See SPC.

Oramorph unit dose vials

The summary of product characteristics for Oramorph (morphine sulphate) unit dose vials has been updated (Boehringer Ingelheim). Under the shelf-life section it additionally states: "Once opened, use immediately." The special precautions for storage section now says "do not store above 25C". "Protect from light" has been replaced with "keep container in outer carton". See SPC.

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Discontinued products

Xylocaine with adrenaline

Xylocaine (lidocaine hydrochloride 0.5 per cent with adrenaline 1:200,000) vials have been discontinued (AstraZeneca).

Diclofenac sodium tablets

Pharmacia has discontinued diclofenac sodium 25mg and 50mg tablets, pack size 84, with immediate effect.

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Supply problems

Depo-Provera vials

Supply of Depo-Provera (medroxy-progesterone acetate) 150mg/ml 1ml vials has been resumed (Pharmacia).

Intal inhalers

Supply problems are being experienced with Intal (sodium cromoglicate) inhalers, 5mg per metered inhalation, 112 doses (Aventis). Aventis will not be holding back orders and will be cancelling existing orders. Queries should be directed to the company's customer services department (tel 0870 513 3347).

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Products miscellany

Aloclair mouth wash

Aloclair mouth wash, containing polyvinylpyrrolidone, for the relief of pain caused by mouth ulcers and other minor traumas such as those caused by dentures and braces, is being launched (Forest Laboratories); retail price, 60ml £4.99, 120ml £7.99.

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