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PJ Online homeThe Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 273 No 7320 p511
9 October 2004

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Products

    Prescription Products SPC changes Discontinued products Products miscellany

Recall Vioxx and VioxxAcute


Prescription Products

Co-Diovan
Co-Diovan (valsartan/ hydrochlorothiazide) is now available in a new strength containing 80mg valsartan and 12.5mg hydrochlorothiazide. It is licensed for the treatment of essential hypertension in patients whose blood pressure is not adaquately controlled on valsartan monotherapy; net price, 28 £16.44. Legal category: POM.

Singulair Granules
Merck, Sharp & Dohme has launched Singulair (montelukast) Paediatric 4mg Granules (Singulair Granules), a once-daily, add-on asthma treatment for children as young as six months; net price £25.67. Legal category: POM.

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SPC changes

Plavix
The summary of product characteristics for Plavix (clopidogrel) has been amended. Section 4.4 now describes thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura as a “potentially fatal condition requiring prompt treatment”. In Section 4.8, Stevens–Johnson Syndrome has been added to the “Undesirable effects” list (under “Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorder”). Section 4.9 has also been amended and now reads: “Overdose following clopidogrel administration may lead to prolonged bleeding time and subsequent bleeding complications. Appropriate therapy should be considered if bleedings are observed.”

Ikorel
The summary of product characteristics for Ikorel (nicorandil) now includes a new indication for a reduction in the risk of acute coronary syndromes in patients with chronic stable angina and at least one of the following risk factors: previous myocardial infarction; previous coronary artery bypass graft; or coronary heart disease on angiography or a positive exercise test, together with one of the following: left ventricular hypertrophy on electrocardiogram, left ventricular dysfunction, age >65 years, diabetes mellitus (type 1 or 2 excluding those on sulphonylureas), hypertension or documented vascular disease.

The summary now also includes some details of the results of the IONA (impact of nicorandil in angina) study in the list of pharmacodynamic properties.

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Discontinued products

Terra-Cortril
Terra-Cortril (oxytetracycline and hydrocortisone) Topical Ointment 15g is being discontinued (Pfizer).

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Products miscellany

Mirapexin marketing
On 16 October Pfizer UK will transfer responsibility for the marketing and distribution of Mirapexin (pramipexole) back to Boehringer Ingelheim UK. Pack designs will change as remaining Pfizer stock is used up.

New Oilatum packaging
Stiefel is introducing new packaging for Oilatum Fragrance Free Bath Emollient. The word “Junior” has been added and the colours on the pack’s graphic have been revised.

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