The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 272 No 7289 p277
6 March 2004

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Products

Prescription Products
• Singulair granules
• Gentamicin Redibags
• Busilvex
• Movicol Paediatric Plain
SPC changes
• Viramune
• Neoclarityn
Discontinued products
• Spasmonal Fibre
• Razoxane tablets
Supply problems
• Zovirax ointment
Counter medicines
• Canesten Duo
• Imodium Plus

Prescription Products

Singulair granules
Singulair (montelukast) paediatric granules have been launched, containing 4mg montelukast per sachet (Merck, Sharp & Dohme). Recommended dose for children 6 months to five years is one sachet in the evening. See SPC. Net
price, 28 £25.69. Legal category: POM.

Gentamicin Redibags
Gentamicin Redibags, ready-to-use gentamicin for once daily dosing, have been launched (Baxter Healthcare); net price, 80mg/50ml £1.63, 240mg/100ml £3, 360mg/100ml £4. Legal category: POM.

Busilvex
Busilvex (busulfan) 6mg/ml concentrate for solution for infusion is now available from Pierre Fabre; net price, 8 x 10ml ampoules £1,610.

Movicol Paediatric Plain
Movicol (macrogol 3350 and electrolytes) Paediatric Plain has been launched (Norgine). It is licensed for the treatment of faecal impaction in children from the age of two years. See SPC. Net price; 30 sachets £4.98. Legal category: POM.

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SPC changes

Viramune
The summary of product characteristics for Viramune (nevirapine) has been revised (Boehringer Ingelheim). It now states that close monitoring for life-threatening skin reactions or serious hepatitis/hepatic failure is critical in the first 18 weeks of treatment. The greatest risk of these events occurs in the first six weeks of therapy. Women and patients with higher CD4 counts are at increased risk of hepatic adverse events. Liver function tests should be performed if patients present with a suspected nevirapine associated rash, and the drug should be permanently discontinued in patients with moderate to severe LFT elevations.Patients with chronic hepatitis B or C treated with combination antiretroviral therapy are at an increased risk of potentially fatal hepatic adverse events. Patients should be advised to contact their doctor promptly if they develop a rash or symptoms of hepatitis, and nevirapine treatment should be discontinued in these patients. See SPC.

Neoclarityn
The summary of product characteristics for Neoclarityn (desloratadine) tablets and syrup now states that very rarely some people may experience drowsiness, which may affect their ability to drive or use machines (Schering-Plough). Dizziness and somnolence have been added to the list of undesirable effects. See SPC.

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Discontinued products

Spasmonal Fibre
Spasmonal Fibre (sterculia 62 per cent and alverine citrate 0.5 per cent) has been discontinued. Other products in the Spasmonal range remain available.

Razoxane tablets
Razoxane tablets are being discontinued (Cambridge Laboratories).

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Supply problems

Zovirax ointment
There is currently a shortage of Zovirax (aciclovir) ophthalmic ointment 3 per cent (GlaxoSmithKline). The UK distribution centre is holding a small amount of stock for urgent orders only. Further details from the company’s customer care centre on 0800 221441.

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Counter medicines

Canesten Duo
Canesten Duo has been launched (Bayer), consisting of Canesten Oral (fluconazole 150mg ) and Canesten double strength thrush cream (clotrimazole 2 per cent) 10g. Recommended sales price £12.50. Legal category: pharmacy medicine.

Imodium Plus
Imodium Plus (loperamide 2mg and simethicone 125mg) caplets are now available in packs of six (Johnson & Johnson.MSD), recommended sales price £3.75. Legal category: general sale list.

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