The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 272 No 7287 p212
21 February 2004

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Products

Prescription Products
• Metformin tablets
• Paroxetine
SPC changes
• Innovace
• Testogel shelf life
• Eloxatin
Discontinued products
• Loxapac capsules
• DaunoXome injection
• Crixivan packs
• Lasix liquid
• Insuman Rapid

Prescription Products

Metformin tablets
Metformin tablets have been relaunched by Ivax Pharmaceuticals; net price, 500mg 28 69p, 500mg 84 £2.04, 850mg 56 £2.13.

Paroxetine
Paroxetine tablets 30mg are now available from Alpharma; net price, 30 £31.16.

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SPC changes

Innovace
The summary of product characteristics for Innovace (enalapril maleate) has been amended (Merck Sharp & Dohme). The indication for the prevention of ischaemic events in patients with left ventricular dysfunction has been removed. A new section on clinical trial experience and dosing of Innovace in children has been included. It is now recommended that dosing in the elderly should be in line with the patient’s renal function, instead of the previous starting dose of 2.5mg. Patients with renovascular hypertension can now start on a dosing regimen of 5mg or lower. See SPC.

Testogel shelf life
The shelf life for Testogel (testosterone) gel has been increased to three years (Schering). See SPC.

Eloxatin
The summary of product characteristics for Eloxatin (oxaliplatin) has been updated. It is now indicated for treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer in combination with 5-fluorouracil and folinic acid (the words “first line” have been removed) (Sanofi-Synthelabo). Information about the treatment of patients who develop mucositis/stomatitis has been added. The adverse events section has been updated and information about the pharmacokinetics associated with doses of 85mg/m² and 130mg/m² has been included. See SPC.

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Discontinued products

Loxapac capsules
Loxapac (loxapine succinate) capsules 50mg x 28 have been discontinued (Wyeth). Loxapac capsules 25mg x 56 remain available.

DaunoXome injection
DaunoXome (liposomal daunorubicin) injection 50mg is being discontinued (Gilead). The company expects stock to remain available until 1 May 2004. Health care professionals can contact Gilead medical information on 01223 897345/897305 or e-mail ukmedinfo@gilead.com.

Crixivan packs
Blister packs of Crixivan (indinavir) capsules 400mg have been discontinued (Merck Sharp & Dohme). The bottle pack presentations remain available. The company expects stock to remain available until the end of August.

Lasix liquid
Lasix (furosemide) 1mg/ml paediatric liquid 150ml has been discontinued (Borg Medicare). All outstanding back orders have been cancelled.

Insuman Rapid
Insuman Rapid vials 5ml are being discontinued (Aventis). The company expects stocks to be exhausted in March. Any outstanding back orders will be cancelled.

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