The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 274 No 7351 p643
28 May 2005

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Products

New medicines
• Zemplar
Prescription Products
• Nasofan
SPC changes
• Nasonex
• Neoclarityn syrup
Discontinued products
• Gaviscon
Supply issues
• Cardura XL

Drug alert Tenoretic film-coated tablets

New medicines

Zemplar
Composition: Paricalcitol 5µg/ml.
Presentation: Solution for injection.
Class/action: Synthetic vitamin D analogue.
Indications: Prevention and treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism associated with chronic renal failure.
Dosage: The dose is calculated according to the patients’ parathyroid hormone levels (see SPC).
Major cautions/precautions: Acute overdose may lead to hypercalcaemia and require emergency attention. Serum calcium and phosphate levels should be monitored closely during dose adjustment. Chronic administration may place patients at risk of hypercalcaemia. Adynamic bone lesions may develop if PTH levels are suppressed to abnormal levels.
Contraindications: Paricalcitol should not be given to patients with evidence of vitamin D toxicity or hypercalcaemia.
Side effects: Common (>1 per cent): hypercalcaemia, hyperphosphateamia, parathyroid disorder, pruritus and taste perversion.
Legal category: POM
Net price: 5x1ml ampoules £62, 5x2ml ampoules £124.
Contact details: Abbott Laboratories, Abbott House, Norden Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire SL6 4XE. Tel 01628 773355.

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Prescription Products

Nasofan
Nasofan (fluticasone 50µg per dose) nasal spray is now available from IVAX. Net price, 150 metered doses, £10.52. Legal category: POM.

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SPC changes

Nasonex
The summary of product characteristics for Nasonex (mometasone furoate; Schering-Plough) has been updated. Nasonex is now additionally indicated for the treatment of nasal polyps in patients aged 18 years or older. See SPC.

Neoclarityn syrup
The summary of product characteristics for Neoclarityn (desloratadine; Schering-Plough) syrup has been updated. Neoclarityn syrup is now additionally indicated for the treatment of allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria in children aged one to five years. The recommended dose for this age group is 2.5ml once a day. See SPC.

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Discontinued products

Gaviscon
Gaviscon (sodium alginate and sodium bicarbonate; Reckitt Benckiser Healthcare) liquid 500ml prescription pack (peppermint and aniseed flavours) will be discontinued from 4 June. Gaviscon liquid and tablets general sale list packs remain available. Gaviscon Advance (sodium alginate and potassium bicarbonate) aniseed and peppermint liquid consumer packs (in 250ml and 500ml bottles) and peppermint tablets (in packs of 60) will be withdrawn from sale within the next 12 months. Gaviscon Advance liquid prescription packs will remain available. The company will distribute patient leaflets to pharmacies explaining the changes. Further details from medical information on 01737 773741.

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Supply issues

Cardura XL
Pfizer expects to be unable to supply Cardura XL (doxazosin) 4mg for the next two to three weeks.The company is also aware of intermittent supply problems affecting Cardura XL 8mg in some areas. Further information is available on 01304 645262 .

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