The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 271 No 7260 p145
2 August 2003

This article
Reprint
Photocopy

Products

Prescription Products
• Chloroquine injection
• Genus Pharmaceuticals
SPC changes
• Exelon SPC update
Discontinued products
• Nivaquine injection
Supply problems
• Fungizone infusion
• Sulphasalazine
• Robinul injection

Prescription Products

Chloroquine injection
Chloroquine sulphate injection 200mg (as chloroquine base) in 5ml has been launched (BeaconPharmaceuticals). Net price 10 x 5ml ampoules £79.

Genus Pharmaceuticals
Genus Pharmaceuticals has launched the following: chlorpromazine tablets, net price, 25mg 28 £0.96, 50mg 28 £0.95, 100mg 28 £1.16; felodipine XL (Felotens), net price, 5mg 28 £7.95, 10mg 28 £9.95; flurbiprofen tablets, net price, 50mg 100 £9.93, 100mg 100 £18.82; tramadol tablets, net price, 50mg 100 £9.95; zolpidem tablets, net price, 5mg 28 £2.95, 10mg 28 £3.95.

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SPC changes

Exelon SPC update
The summary of product characteristics for Exelon (rivastigmine) has been updated (Novartis). It now says that rivastigmine may exacerbate or induce extrapyramidal symptoms, including worsening in patients with Parkinson’s disease. Elevated liver function tests is included as a very rare side effect and the statement “No clinical data on exposed pregnancies are available” has been added.

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Discontinued products

Nivaquine injection
Nivaquine (chloroquine sulphate) injection is being discontinued with immediate effect (Aventis). Queries should be directed to Aventis customer services (tel 0870 5133347).

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Supply problems

Fungizone infusion
Supply problems continue with Fungizone (amphotericin B) intravenous infusion (Bristol-Myers Squibb). Supplies are expected mid-August and should be fully available by the end of August. Contact Bristol-Myers Squibb customer services (tel 01244 586250).

Sulphasalazine
Sulphasalazine tablets 500mg x 500 are currently out of stock (Alpharma). Any queries should be directed to the company’s customer services department (tel 01271 311200).

Robinul injection
Robinul (glycopyrronium bromide) injection 200µg/ml 1ml and 3ml ampoules are out of stock. They will be available from 25 August. Queries should be directed to Antigen pharmaceuticals (tel 01704 562777).

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