The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 270 No 7234 p146
1 February 2003

This article
Reprint
Photocopy

Products

Prescription Products
• Temazepam tablets
• Ciprofloxacin tablets
SPC changes
• Nyogel eye gel
• Spiriva inhalation capsules
• Uftoral capsules
• Videx EC capsules
Counter medicines
• Zirtek Allergy tablets

Prescription Products

Temazepam tablets

Alpharma has launched temazepam 10mg tablets, pack size 28, in Cox Pharmaceuticals livery; net price, 98p.

Ciprofloxacin tablets

Ciprofloxacin tablets are available from Pliva Pharma; net price, 250mg 10 £6.75, 250mg 20 £13.50, 500mg 10 £12.78, 500mg 20 £25.56, 750mg 10 £18.

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SPC changes

Nyogel eye gel

The summery of product characteristics for Nyogel (timolol maleate) 0.1 per cent eye gel has been updated (Novartis Pharmaceuticals). The following statement has been added to the special precautions for storage section: "Store the dropper bottle upside down in the carton below 25C after first opening." This is so that the gel collects in the neck of the bottle, preventing bubbles forming when it is applied. See SPC.

Spiriva inhalation capsules

The summary of product characterisitics for Spiriva (tiotropium bromide monohydrate) inhalation capsules has been updated (Boeh-ringer Ingelheim). The shelf-life has been extended from 18 to 24 months. See SPC.

Uftoral capsules

The summary of product characteristics for Uftoral (tegafur with uracil) capsules has been revised (Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharmaceuticals). The special warnings and precautions for use section now states that liver function should be monitored during treatment in patients with mild to moderate hepatic dysfunction. The interactions section notes that several fatalities have occurred in patients following the co-administration of Uftoral and the antiviral sorivudine (not marketed in the United Kingdom). It is recommended under the pregnancy and lactation section that if pregnancy occurs during treatment with Uftoral, genetic counselling should be considered. Adverse reactions that have been reported after marketing have been added to the undesirable effects section. See SPC.

Videx EC capsules

The summary of product characteristics for Videx EC (didanosine) capsules has been updated (Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharmaceuticals). The licensed indication for Videx has been reworded and now says "indicated in combination with other antiretroviral drugs" instead of "as part of combination therapy". Information has been added to the special warnings and precautions for use and the interactions sections regarding an interaction between didanosine and tenofovir disoproxil. Patients receiving both drugs should be monitored for didanosine-related adverse events. The undesirable effects section has been rewritten and information on laboratory abnormalities and postmarketing experience added. Further information has been added to the pharmacokinetics section regarding viral resistance and information regarding the metabolism of didanosine has been added under a subsection headed biotransformation. See SPC.

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Counter medicines

Zirtek Allergy tablets

A 30-tablet pack of Zirtek Allergy (cetirizine) 10mg tablets, licensed as a pharmacy medicine, is replacing the 30-tablet pack of Zirtek tablets (UCB Pharma).

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