PJ Online | Products (13 September 2003)

Glitazones new indication
The licensed indications for Actos (pioglitazone, Takeda) and Avandia (rosiglitazone, GlaxoSmithKline) have been updated. They are now additionally indicated as oral monotherapy in type 2 diabetes patients, particularly overweight patients inadequately controlled by diet and exercise for whom metformin is inappropriate because of contraindications or intolerance. The indication for combination therapy with metformin has been re-worded to state “particularly in overweight patients”. See SPCs for full details.

Begrivac instructions
The summary of product characteristics for Begrivac (formaldehyde-inactivated influenza virus) has been updated. The instructions for handling section now includes instructions for measuring a 0.25ml dose for children in a syringe with or without a mark. See SPC for instructions.

Movicol new indication
The licensed indications for Movicol (polyethylene glycol 3350) have been extended to include the treatment of faecal impaction in children from the age of 2 years. Dosage depends on age group and increases daily over a seven-day course. See SPC for full dosage information.

Correction
The licensed indication for Movicol-Half (Macrogol 3350 and electrolytes) has been extended to include the treatment of faecal impaction in children from the age of two years (Norgine). This indication does not apply to Movicol.

Travatan new indication
Travatan (travoprost) eye-drops (Alcon) are now licensed for first-line prescribing for decrease of elevated intraocular pressure in patients with ocular hypertension or open-angle glaucoma. See SPC.

Discontinued products

Pilocarpine eye-drops
Pilocarpine eye-drops 3 per cent, 10ml, have been discontinued from the Alpharma range. The product remains available from Martindale.

Supply problems

Amiloride and mianserin
The following Alpharma products are currently out of stock; amiloride 5mg x 28, mianserin tablets 10mg x 28, 20mg x 28, and 30mg x 28.

Synarel nasal spray
Synarel (nafarelin) nasal spray 4ml and 8ml are back in stock (Pfizer).

Counter medicines

NiQuitin CQ mint lozenges
GlaxoSmithKline has launched NiQuitin CQ mint lozenges (nicotine). Recommended retail price, 2mg or 4mg 36 £8.99, 72 £17.49. Legal category: general sale list.

Nicotinell products
Novartis has launched the following: Nicotinell liqourice coated gum (nicotine), recommended retail price, 2mg 24 £5.29, 2mg 96 £14.49, 4mg 24 £5.79, 4mg 96 £17.99, legal category: general sale list; Nicotinell extra strength mint lozenge (nicotine), recommended retail price 2mg 12 £3.49, 2mg 36 £8.69, 2mg 96 £18.59, legal category: general sale list.