The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 273 No 7307 p49
10 July 2004

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Products

New medicines
• Erbitux
• Co-Diovan
SPC changes
• Solian
• Amias
Discontinued products
• Terra-Cortril
• Insuman Comb 15
Supply issues
• Ikorel expiry date
• Predenema
• Nystaform
• Polyfax eye ointment

New medicines

Erbitux
Composition: Cetuximab 2mg/ml.
Presentation: Solution for infusion.
Class: Antineoplastic agent, monoclonal antibody.
Indications: Treatment of patients with epidermal growth factor receptor-expressing metastatic colorectal cancer, in combination with irinotecan after failure of irinotecan-based cytotoxic therapy.
Dosage: Initial dose 400mg cetuximab per m2 body surface area. Subsequent doses 250mg/m2. Administered weekly.
Precautions: Erbitux must be administered under the supervision of a doctor experienced in the use of antineoplastic medicines. Close monitoring is required during the infusion and for at least one hour aferwards. Patients must receive premedication with an antihistamine.
Side effects: Very common (>1/10) dyspnoea, skin reactions. Common (>1/100, <1/10) hypersensitivity, conjunctivitis.
Legal category: POM.
Net price: 50ml vial £136.50.
Erbitux is only available through AAH hospital service (tel 024 7643 2546).
Contact details: Merck Pharmaceuticals, Harrier House, High Street, West Drayton, Middlesex UB7 7QG (tel 01895 452307.

Co-Diovan
Co-Diovan (valsartan/ hydrochlorothiazide) tablets have been launched by Novartis. Net price 160/12.5mg or 160/25mg 28 £21.66. Legal category: POM.

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SPC changes

Solian
The summary of product characteristics for Solian (amisulpride) tablets now states that acute withdrawal symptoms, including nausea, vomiting and insomnia, have very rarely been described after abrupt cessation of high doses of antipsychotic drugs (Sanofi-Synthelabo). Recurrence of psychotic symptoms may also occur, and the emergence of involuntary movement disorders (such as akathisia, dystonia and dyskinesia) has been reported. Therefore, a gradual withdrawal is advisable. See SPC.

Amias
The summary of product characteristics for Amias (candesartan cilexetil) now states that hypotension may occur during anaesthesia and surgery in patients treated with angiotensin II antagonists due to blockade of the renin-angiotensin system (Takeda). Very rarely, hypotension may be severe enough to warrant the use of intravenous fluids and/or vasopressors. See SPC.

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Discontinued products

Terra-Cortril
Terra-Cortril (hydrocortisone and oxytetracycline) ointment is being discontinued (Pfizer). The 30g presentation will be discontinued in mid-August and the 15g presentation will be discontinued in mid-November.

Insuman Comb 15
Insuman Comb 15 (biphasic isophane insulin) 5ml vials have been discontinued with immediate effect (Aventis). Any outstanding orders will be cancelled. Insuman Comb 15 3ml cartridges and Insuman Comb 50 5ml vials will be discontinued when current stocks are exhausted. The company expects this to be in August and September, respectively. Details from Aventis customer services on 0870 5133347.

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Supply issues

Ikorel expiry date
Aventis says that the only stock of Ikorel (nicorandil) tablets 10mg and 20mg currently available has a shelf life of about six months. Customers are asked to accept this stock on a sale or return basis. Details from Aventis customer service on 0870 5133347.

Predenema
Predenema (prednisolone) long- and short-tube enemas are currently out of stock (Forest Laboratories). The company says that patients should be advised to discuss alternative treatments with their doctor. Health care professionals can contact Forest medical information on 01322 550550.

Nystaform
Pharmacists having difficulty obtaining Nystaform (nystatin and chlorhexidine) cream and Nystaform HC (nystatin, hydrocortisone and chlorhexidine) ointment can obtain the products direct from Typharm (tel 01603 735200, fax 01603 735217).

Polyfax eye ointment
Polyfax (polymyxin B sulphate and bacitracin zinc) eye ointment is now back in stock (PLIVA Pharma). Customers are requested to continue to order the product through their normal channels. Details from PLIVA customer services on 01730 710910.

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