SPC changes
Distamine tablets
The summary of product characteristics for Distamine (penicillamine)
tablets 125mg and 250mg has been revised (Alliance Pharmaceuticals).
It now states that Distamine should be taken on an empty stomach, at
least half an hour before meals, or on retiring. Dosing information in
patients with renal insufficiency has been included for each indication
and the drug is contraindicated in patients with moderate or severe renal
impairment. Details have been added on blood count monitoring and urinalysis
during treatment. The SPC states that concomitant use of NSAIDs and other
nephrotoxic drugs may increase the risk of renal damage, and concomitant
treatment with gold should be avoided. Oral absorption of penicillamine
may be reduced by oral administration of iron. Distamine should only
be used in breast feeding patients when considered absolutely necessary.
Pre-clinical data have shown penicillamine to be teratogenic in rats
when given in very high doses. See SPC.
Lumigan eye drops
Lumigan (bimatoprost) eye drops now have a first line indication for
the reduction of elevated intraocular pressure in chronic open angle
glaucoma and ocular hypertension, as a monotherapy or as adjunctive
therapy to beta blockers (Allergan). The SPC states that Lumigan should
be used with caution in patients with renal or moderate to severe hepatic
impairment. The undesirable effects and pharmacodynamic properties
sections have been expanded with data from clinical studies. See SPC.
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