The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 276 No 7400 p563
13 May 2006

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Products

SPC changes
• IntronA
• Lipitor
• Neupogen
Discontinued products
• Co-Betaloc
• SpectraBan
• Polytar
Supply issues
• Benzamycin gel
• Halothane
• Psorin scalp gel

SPC changes

IntronA
The summary of product characteristics for IntronA (interferon alfa-2b; Schering-Plough) has been updated to include information on the long-term efficacy of IntronA in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C. See SPC.

Lipitor
The summary of product characteristics for Lipitor (atorvastatin; Pfizer) has been updated to include an additional indication for reducing the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with diabetes who have at least one additional risk factor, without clinically evident coronary heart disease, irrespective of whether cholesterol is raised. See SPC.

Neupogen
The summary of product characteristics for Neupogen (filgrastim; Amgen) now includes additional information relating to interstitial pneumonia, sickle cell crises, allergic reactions and pulmonary adverse effects. The shelf life has been increased from two years to 30 months. See SPC.

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Discontinued products

Co-Betaloc
Co-Betaloc (metoprolol tartrate, hydrochlorothiazide; Pfizer) tablets are being discontinued in July. Further information on 01304 616161.

SpectraBan
SpectraBan (aminobenzoic acid and padimate; Stiefel) lotion is being discontinued.

Polytar
Polytar AF shampoo is being discontinued by Stiefel.

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Supply issues

Benzamycin gel
Schwarz Pharma is currently unable to supply Benzamycin (benzoyl peroxide and erythromycin) gel. Benzamycin gel will remain unavailable for at least six months.

Halothane
Concord Pharmaceuticals is unable to supply halothane liquid and may not be able to do so for several months. Further information on 0870 241 2330.

Psorin scalp gel
Psorin (dithranol, coal tar and salicylic acid; LPC) scalp gel will be unavailable for the next four to six months.

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