The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 271 No 7272 p577
25 October 2003

This article
Reprint
Photocopy

Products

Prescription Products
• Digoxin tablets
SPC changes
• Zometa injection
• Videx tablets and capsules
• Zerit capsules and powder
Supply problems
• Pitressin injection
• Tranylcypromine tablets
Counter medicines
• Lemsip additions

Prescription Products

Digoxin tablets
Digoxin tablets are now available from Almus Pharmaceuticals; net price, 62.5µg 28 £0.77, 125µg 28 £0.60, 250µg 28 £0.60.

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SPC changes

Zometa injection
The summary of product characteristics for Zometa (zoledronic acid) injection has been updated (Novartis). The definition of severe renal impairment used has now been clarified and a small number of updates have been made to the undesirable effects section. See SPC.

Videx tablets and capsules
The summary of product characteristics for Videx (didanosine) tablets and Videx EC capsules has been updated (Bristol-Myers Squibb) to include information regarding the redistribution of body fat (lipodystrophy) in HIV patients that has been associated with anti-retroviral therapy. Clinical examination should include evaluation for physical signs of fat redistribution, and consideration should be given to the measurement of fasting serum lipids and blood glucose. Metabolic abnormalities associated with combination antiretroviral therapy are now listed in the undesirable effects section. See SPC.

Zerit capsules and powder
The summary of product characteristics for Zerit (stavudine) capsules and Zerit powder for oral solution has been revised (Bristol-Myers Squibb). Zerit is now indicated in combination for the treatment of HIV infected adults and children over the age of three months. Extensive changes have been made to several other sections. See SPC.

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Supply problems

Pitressin injection
Goldshield has announced that Pitressin (vasopressin) injection 1ml x 10 is back in stock and available from local suppliers or from Aventis UK (tel 01895 837750).

Tranylcypromine tablets
Tranylcypromine tablets 10mg x 28 are currently unavailable in the UK (Goldshield). The company expects normal supply to resume from the week commencing 13 November. Irish stock of unlicensed Parnate (tranylcypromine) 10mg x 28 is available on a named patient basis. Contact Healthcare Logistics on 01753 658304 for an order form.

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Counter medicines

Lemsip additions
Reckitt Benckiser has launched Lemsip Flu 12Hr (ibuprofen 300mg and pseudoephedrine hydrochloride 45mg), recommended retail price, 8 £3.99, legal category, pharmacy medicine; and Lemsip Max Cold & Flu Direct Blackcurrant (paracetamol 1,000mg and phenylephrine hydrochloride 12.2mg), recommended retail price, 10 £3.99, legal category, general sale list medicine.

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