The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 275 No 7367 p335
17 September 2005

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Products

SPC changes
• Aromasin
• Nicorette
Discontinued products
• Motrin
Counter products
• Chloramphenicol
• Vantage cough linctus

SPC changes

Aromasin
Aromasin (exemestane; Pfizer) is now additionally indicated for the adjuvant treatment of postmenopausal women with oestrogen receptor positive invasive early breast cancer, following two to three years of initial adjuvant tamoxifen therapy. The SPC now states that patients with early breast cancer should continue treatment with Aromasin until completion of five years of combined sequential adjuvant hormonal therapy or earlier if tumour relapse occurs. Women with osteoporosis or at risk of osteoporosis should have their bone mineral density assessed when starting treatment. See SPC.

Nicorette
The summaries of product characteristics for Nicorette gum and inhalator have been updated to include a new indication as part of a programme to reduce smoking before stopping completely. The SPCs now state that the products can be used between smoking episodes to manage the urge to smoke and prolong smoke-free intervals, with the intention to reduce smoking as much as possible. A quit attempt should be made as soon as the smoker feels ready, but not later than six months after start of treatment. If a quit attempt cannot be made within nine months after starting treatment, professional advice should be sought. See SPCs.

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Discontinued products

Motrin
Motrin (ibuprofen;Pfizer) tablets 800mg x 90 will be discontinued when current stocks are exhausted. The company expects this to be by the end of September. Further details from customer services on 01304 645262.

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Counter products

Chloramphenicol
Numark Chloramphenicol 0.5 per cent w/v antibiotic eye drops have been launched. Net price, 10ml £3.99. Legal category: P.

Vantage cough linctus
Vantage Chesty Cough Linctus (diphenhydramine hydrochloride 14mg/5ml) and Vantage Dry Cough Linctus (dextromethorphan 10mg/5ml) are now available to AAH customers. Recommended retail price of both, 200ml, £2.99. Legal category: P.

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