The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 271 No 7257 p43
12 July 2003

This article
Reprint
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Products

Prescription Products
• Lignocaine gel
• Nabilone capsules
• Celiprolol tablets
SPC changes
• Lustral SPC update
• Lioresal intrathecal administration
• New indication for Actilyse
Discontinued products
• Microgynon clinic pack
• Novo Nordisk

Prescription Products

Lignocaine gel

Lignocaine gel 1 per cent and 2 per cent have been launched (APS/BERK); net price, 12 x 15ml £18. The company has also launched lignocaine antiseptic 1 per cent and 2 per cent, net price, 12 x 15ml £18.

Nabilone capsules

Nabilone capsules 500µg and 2mg have been launched (Cambridge Laboratories) and are available on a named patient basis. Net price, 500µg 20 £68.64, 2mg 20 £228.80. Ordering information is available from the company's customer services department (tel 0191 2969 300).

Celiprolol tablets

Celiprolol tablets 200mg have been launched (Alpharma); net price, 200mg 28 £14.61.

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SPC changes

Lustral SPC update

The summary of product characteristics for Lustral (sertraline) has been updated (Pfizer). Concomitant use in patients taking pimozide (Orap) is now contraindicated. The section on interactions with other medicinal products now states that increased pimozide levels have been shown when sertraline is co-administered.

Lioresal intrathecal administration

The summary of product characteristics for Lioresal (baclofen) intrathecal formulation has been updated (Novartis). It now states that only physicians with the necessary knowledge and experience should undertake intrathecal administration through an implanted delivery system. The updated SPC also contains advice about pump implantation and treatment withdrawal.

New indication for Actilyse

The summary of product characteristics for Actilyse (alteplase) has been updated (Boehringer Ingelheim) to include a new indication for fibrinolytic treatment of ischaemic stroke. See SPC for details.

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Discontinued products

Microgynon clinic pack

Microgynon 30 (levonorgestrel 150µg, ethinylestradiol 30µg) clinic packs (50 x 21 tablets) are expected to be discontinued in November (Schering Health). Microgynon 30 remains available in single 21-tablet packs.

Novo Nordisk

• NovoRapid Novolet (insulin aspart in an injecting device which allows a two-unit dosage adjustment) will no longer be available after November 2004. However, patients using the NovoRapid Novolet device can be switched to the Novorapid Flexpen, which contains the same insulin and allows a one-unit dosage adjustment.

• Human Mixtard 50 (biphasic insulin aspart), 10ml vial will no longer be available after November 2004. Human Mixtard 50 pens and 3ml penfill cartridges will remain available.

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