The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 272 No 7297 p539
1 May 2004

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Products

Prescription Products
• Atrovent CFC-free
• Bisoprolol tablets
• Carvedilol tablets
• Sebomin capsules
• Partobulin SDF
SPC changes
• Genotropin
• Zerit
• Videx
Supply issues
• DaunoXome injection
Counter products
• Lamisil AT

Recall SMA Wysoy

Prescription Products

Atrovent CFC-free
Atrovent (ipratropium bromide) CFC-free inhaler 20µg per metered inhalation will be available from 4 May (Boehringer Ingelheim); net price, £4.21.

Bisoprolol tablets
Bisoprolol tablets are now available from Sandoz in packs of 28; net price, 5mg £6.96, 10mg £8.12.

Carvedilol tablets
Carvedilol tablets are now available from Sandoz in packs of 28; net price 3.125mg £8.12, 6.25mg £9.02, 12.5mg £10.03, 25mg £12.54.

Sebomin capsules
Sebomin (minocycline) modified-release capsules 100mg are now available from Alpharma; net price, 56 £42.27.

Partobulin SDF
Partobulin SDF (human anti-D immunoglobulin) 1,250IU per ml for intramuscular injection is now available from Baxter Healthcare; net price, 1ml prefilled syringe, £35.

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SPC changes

Genotropin
The summary of product characteristics for Genotropin (somatropin) now states that it should not be used in patients with Prader-Willi syndrome who are severely obese or have severe respiratory impairment (Pfizer). Before initiation of treatment with somatropin in patients with Prader-Willi syndrome, signs for upper airway obstruction, sleep apnoea and respiratory infections should be assessed. See SPC.

Zerit
The summary of product characteristics for Zerit (stavudine) now states that if symptoms of peripheral neuropathy develop, switching the patient to an alternative treatment regimen should be considered (Bristol-Myers Squibb). In the rare cases when this is inappropriate, treatment with Zerit may be continued at 50 per cent of the previous dosage while the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy are under close monitoring. Additional information regarding combination antiretroviral therapy in patients with hepatitis B or C and information regarding combination therapy with pre-existing liver dysfunction has been added. The undesirable effects and pharmacokinetic properties sections have been updated. See SPC.

Videx
The summary of product characteristics for Videx (didanosine) tablets and enteric-coated capsules now includes a warning that nucleoside and nucleotide analogues have been demonstrated in vitro and in vivo to cause a degree of mitochondrial damage (Britsol-Myers Squibb). The main adverse effects reported are haematological and metabolic disorders. Any child exposed in utero to nucleoside and nucleotide analogues should have clinical and laboratory follow-up and should be fully investigated for possible mitochondrial dysfunction in case of relevant symptoms. These findings do not affect current national recommendations to use antiretroviral therapy in pregnant women to prevent vertical transmission of HIV. See SPC.

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Supply issues

DaunoXome injection
Gilead says it will not be discontinuing the supply of DaunoXome (liposomal daunorubicin) injection 50mg as previously announced (PJ, 21 February, p212) and supplies will continue to be available. Further information from Gilead medical information on 01223 897345 (e-mail ukmedinfo@gilead.com).

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Counter products

Lamisil AT
Lamisil AT (terbinafine hydrochloride) 1 per cent gel is now available from Novartis; recommended retail price 15g, £5.99. Legal category: P
Lamisil AT cream 1 per cent has been reclassified to GSL; the price is unaffected.

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