The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 272 No 7295 p469
17 April 2004

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Products

Prescription Products
• Carvedilol tablets
• Bendroflumethiazide
• Saline nasal drops
• Quinapril tablets
SPC changes
• Noristerat
Discontinued products
• Cidomycin paediatric
Supply issues
• Alu-Cap capsules
Counter products
• Vantage products
Products miscellany
• Alvedon suppositories
• Midrid brand
• Ascensia Contour

Prescription Products

Carvedilol tablets
Carvedilol tablets are now available from;
· IVAX Pharmaceuticals in packs of 28; net price 3.125mg £8.14, 6.25mg £9.04, 12.5mg £10.05, 25mg £12.56.
· APS/Berk in packs of 28; net price 3.125mg £7.73, 6.25mg £8.59, 12.5mg £9.55, 25mg £11.93.
· Alpharma in packs of 28; net price 6.25mg £9.04, 12.5mg £10.05, 25mg £12.56.
3.125mg tablets will be available from Alpharma later in the year.

Bendroflumethiazide
Bendroflumethiazide tablets 2.5mg are now available from Almus Pharmaceuticals; net price, 28, £0.74.

Saline nasal drops
Normal saline (sodium chloride 0.9 per cent) nasal drops are now available from Alpharma in a tamper-evident drop bottle; net price,10ml £1.25. Legal category: POM

Quinapril tablets
Quinapril tablets are now available from APS/Berk in packs of 28; net price 5mg £8.17, 10mg £8.17, 20mg £10.25, 40mg £9.26

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SPC changes

Noristerat
The summary of product characteristics for Noristerat (norethisterone oenanthate) now states that injection site reactions, local skin reactions, various skin disorders and hypersensitivity reactions may occur (Schering Health Care). See SPC.

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Discontinued products

Cidomycin paediatric
Cidomycin paediatric injection 20mg/2ml is being discontinued (Aventis). Stocks are expected to last until 21 April.

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Supply issues

Alu-Cap capsules
The planned date of discontinuation of Alu-Cap (aluminium hydroxide) capsules (PJ, 7 February, p151) has been extended to 31 December (3M Health Care). The Department of Health and 3M Health Care are considering the options for the continued supply of aluminium hydroxide preparations after this date. Queries from wholesalers regarding stock availability should be directed to Keith Stacey on 01509 613082 (e-mail kstacey1@mmm.com). Health care professionals can contact 3M Health Care medical information on 01509 613265.

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Counter products

Vantage products
Vantage pharmacy has launched; n Vantage Sleepaid (diphenhydramine hydrochloride 50mg) one-a-night tablets, recommended retail price, 20 £2.69, legal category: P
n Vantage ibuprofen oral suspension (ibuprofen 100mg/5ml), recommended retail price, 100ml £2.29, legal category: P

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Products miscellany

Alvedon suppositories
AstraZeneca is now the product licence holder for Alvedon (paracetamol) suppositories. Packs are now available in AstraZeneca livery. The price remains the same.

Midrid brand
Manx Healthcare has acquired the Midrid product licence and brand (previously Shire Pharmaceuticals) and expects to relaunch the product this year.

Ascensia Contour
Ascensia Contour blood glucose monitoring system is now available (Bayer). It features automatic coding, the option for multiple test sites and quick results. Recommended retail price £24.99.

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