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The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 271 No 7267 p363
20 September 2003

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Products

    Prescription Products SPC changes Discontinued products Counter medicines

Recall Adult Meltus for Chesty Coughs and Catarrh


Prescription Products

Humira injection
Composition: Adalimumab solution for injection.
Presentation: Each 0.8ml single- dose pre-filled syringe contains 40mg of adalimumab.
Class: Recombinant human monoclonal antibody.
Indications: Moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis in adult patients when response to disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, including methotrexate, has been inadequate.
Dosage: 40mg administered every other week as a single dose via subcutaneous injection.
Major cautions: Patients must be evaluated for both active and inactive tuberculosis infection as well as other infections before initiation of therapy.
Contraindications: Active tuberculosis, severe and opportunistic infections, moderate or severe heart failure.
Legal category: POM.
Net price: 2 syringes, £715.
Contact details: Abbott Laboratories (tel 01628 644512).
See SPC for full details.

Simulect injection
A 10mg vial of Simulect (basiliximab) injection has been launched (Novartis); net price, 1 vial, £758.69.

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SPC changes

Simulect injection
The summary of product characteristics for Simulect (basiliximab) injection now states that it may be used in children and adolescents from one to 17 years of age (Novartis). The warning “Simulect must not be administered unless it is absolutely certain that the patient will receive the graft and concomitant immunosuppression” applies to children and adolescents as well as adults. Additional clinical data have been included throughout the product summary. See SPC.

Danol capsules
The summary of product characteristics for Danol (danazol) capsules has been revised (Sanofi-Synthelabo). Danazol is now restricted to second line therapy in endometriosis and benign fibrocystic breast disease only. The conditions under which it may be used for these indications have also been updated. The drug is no longer indicated for gynaecomastia, pre-operative thinning of the endometrium, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, or the control of benign, multiple or recurrent breast cysts. In addition the duration of therapy should normally be limited to no more than six months. See SPC.

Motilium
The summary of product characteristics for Motilium (domperidone) 10mg tablets, 1mg/ml suspension and 30mg suppositories has been updated (Sanofi-Synthelabo). The indications now include the relief of the symptoms of nausea and vomiting, epigastric sense of fullness, upper abdominal discomfort and regulation of gastric content in adults, and the relief of the symptoms of nausea and vomiting in children. Corresponding changes have been made to the sections on posology and administration, and special warnings and precautions for use. Motilium is now contraindicated in prolactin-releasing pituitary tumour, and should not be used when stimulation of gastric motility could be harmful. Amendments have also been made to the sections on interactions, pregnancy and lactation, driving and using machines, undesirable effects, overdose and pharmacodynamics. See SPC for full details.

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Discontinued products

Tavegil Elixir
Tavegil (clemastine) elixir is being discontinued (Novartis). The company expects that the product will be unavailable after November. Tavegil tablets remain available.

Kerlone tablets
Kerlone (betaxolol) tablets are being discontinued from 30 September (Sanofi-Synthelabo).

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Counter medicines

Sudafed Congestion Relief
Pfizer has launched Non-Drowsy Sudafed Congestion Relief capsules (phenylephrine hydrochloride 12mg). Recommended retail price, 12 £2.49, 24 £4.49. Legal category: general sale list medicine.

Tixyplus suspension
Novartis Consumer Health has launched Tixyplus suspension (diphenhydramine and paracetamol). Recommended retail price, 100ml £3.49. Legal category: pharmacy medicine.

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