Drug & Medicine Update from epgonline.org

E45 Cream

For the symptomatic relief of dry skin conditions, where the use of an emollient is indicated, such as flaking, chapped skin, ichthyosis, traumatic dermatitis, sunburn, the dry stage of eczema and certain dry cases of psoriasis.

IOMERON 250

X-ray contrast medium used for:

venography

cerebral arteriography

digital subtraction angiography

computed tomography enhancement

urography

cavernosography

myelography

IOMERON 300

X-ray contrast medium used for:

peripheral arteriography

venography

angiogardiography and left ventriculography

cerebral arteriography

visceral arteriography

digital subtraction angiography

computed tomography enhancement

urography

ERCP

dacryocystography

sialography

fistulography

galactography

myelography

Tizanidine 2mg Tablets

Treatment of spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis or with spinal cord injury or disease.

Natecal D3 Chewable Tablets

Correction of combined vitamin D and calcium deficiencies in the elderly

Natecal D3 Chewable Tablets

Correction of combined vitamin D and calcium deficiencies in the elderly; vitamin D and calcium supplementation as an adjunct to specific treatment for osteoporosis in patients where combined vitamin D and calcium deficiencies have been diagnosed or at a high risk of such deficiencies.

Natecal D3 Chewable Tablets

Correction of combined vitamin D and calcium deficiencies in the elderly

Benlysta 120 mg

Benlysta is indicated as add-on therapy in adult patients with active, autoantibody-positive systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with a high degree of disease activity (e.g positive anti-dsDNA and low complement) despite standard therapy

Protopic 0.1% ointment

Protopic 0.1 % ointment is indicated in adults and adolescents (16 years of age and above)

Flare treatment

Adults and adolescents (16 years of age and above)

Treatment of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis in adults who are not adequately responsive to or are intolerant of conventional therapies such as topical corticosteroids.

Maintenance treatment

Treatment of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis for the prevention of flares and the prolongation of flare-free intervals in patients experiencing a high frequency of disease exacerbations (i.e. occurring 4 or more times per year) who have had an initial response to a maximum of 6 weeks treatment of twice daily tacrolimus ointment (lesions cleared, almost cleared or mildly affected).

Onbrez Breezhaler 150 microgram inhalation powder, hard capsules

Onbrez Breezhaler 300 microgram inhalation powder, hard capsules

Xarelto 20mg film-coated tablets

Prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in adult patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation with one or more risk factors, such as congestive heart failure, hypertension, age 75 years, diabetes mellitus, prior stroke or transient ischaemic attack.

Treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and prevention of recurrent DVT and pulmonary embolism (PE) following an acute DVT in adults.

Xarelto 15mg film-coated tablets

Treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and prevention of recurrent DVT and pulmonary embolism (PE) following an acute DVT in adults.

Amilamont 5mg/5ml Oral Solution

Potassium - conserving agent; diuretic. Although Amiloride Hydrochloride may be used alone, its principal indication is as concurrent therapy with thiazides or more potent diuretics to conserve potassium during periods of vigorous diuresis and during long term maintenance therapy. In hypertension, it is used as an adjunct to prolonged therapy with thiazides and similar agents to prevent potassium depletion. In congestive heart failure, Amiloride Hydrochloride may be effective alone, but its principal indication is for concomitant use in patients receiving thiazides or more potent diuretic agents. In hepatic cirrhosis with ascites, Amiloride Hydrochloride usually provides adequate diuresis, with diminished potassium loss and less risk of metabolic alkalosis, when used alone. It may be used with more potent diuretics when a greater diuresis is required while maintaining a more balanced serum electrolyte pattern.

Heparin sodium 25,000 I.U./ml Solution for injection or concentrate for solution for infusion(without preservative)

Prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism Treatment of deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, unstable angina pectoris and acute peripheral arterial occlusion. Prophylaxis of mural thrombosis following myocardial infarction. In extracorporeal circulation and haemodialysis.

Polytar Plus

Polytar Plus is indicated as an aid in the treatment of scalp disorders such as psoriasis, seborrhoea, pruritus and dandruff. Polytar Plus is also of value in the removal of ointments and pastes used in the treatment of psoriasis.

Epirubicin Hydrochloride 2mg/ml Solution For Injection

Epirubicin is used in the treatment of a range of neoplastic conditions including: - Carcinoma of the breast - Advanced ovarian cancer - Gastric cancer - Small cell lung cancer When administered intravesically, epirubicin has been shown to be beneficial in the treatment of: - Papillary transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder - Carcinoma-in-situ of the bladder - Prophylaxis of recurrences of superficial bladder carcinoma following transurethral resection.

ANATERA 100mg/ml solution for injection

This medicinal product is for diagnostic use only. For fluorescein angiography of the ocular fundus.

Diclofenac Potassium 25 mg Tablets

Rheumatoid arthritis Osteoarthrosis Low back pain Migraine attacks Acute musculo-skeletal disorders and trauma such as periarthritis (especially frozen shoulder), tendinitis, tenosynovitis, bursitis, sprains, strains and dislocations; relief of pain in fractures Ankylosing spondylitis Acute gout Control of pain and inflammation in orthopaedic, dental and other minor surgery Pyrophosphate arthropathy and associated disorders Children aged 9 yrs and above: The short term treatment of fever related to infections of the ear, nose or throat (ENT), e.g. pharyngotonsillitis, otitis media. As monotherapy or as adjunct therapy with morphine or other opiates (due to its opiate-sparing effect) for the relief of acute post-operative pain.

Cymalon Cranberry Liquid

For the symptomatic relief of dysuria associated with mild urinary tract infections, especially cystitis. Indications stated on label: For the relief of the symptoms of cystitis and other mild urinary tract infections.

Metronidazole Tablets 500 mg

Metronidazole is active against a wide range of pathogenic micro-organisms, notably species of Bacteroids, Fusobacteria, Clostridia, Eubacteria, anaerobic cocci and Gardnerella vaginalis. It is also active against Trichomonas vaginalis, Entamoeba histolytica, Gardia lamblia, Balantidium coli and Helicobacter pylori. Indications are: 1) Prevention of post-operative infections due to anaerobic bacteria, particularly species of bacteroids and anaerobic streptococci. 2) The treatment of septicaemia, bacteraemia, peritonitis, brain abscess, necrotising pneumonia, osteomyelitis, puerperal sepsis, pelvic abscess, pelvic cellulitis and post-operative wound infections from which pathogenic anaerobes have been isolated. 3) Urogenital trichomoniasis in the female (Trichomonas vaginalis), and in man. 4) Bacterial vaginosis (also known as non-specific vaginitis, anaerobic vaginosis or Gardnerella vaginalis). 5) All forms of amoebiasis (intestinal and extra-intestinal disease and asymptomatic cyst passers). 6) Giardiasis. 7) Acute ulcerative gingivitis. 8) Acute dental infections (eg acute pericoronitis and acute apical infections) 9) Anaerobically-infected leg ulcers and pressure sores. 10) Treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection associated with peptic ulcer as part of triple therapy.

Monofer 100mg/ml solution for injection/infusion

Monofer is indicated for the treatment of iron deficiency anaemia in the following conditions: • When oral iron preparations are ineffective or cannot be used • Where there is a clinical need to deliver iron rapidly The diagnosis of iron deficiency anaemia should be based on appropriate laboratory tests (e.g. serum ferritin, serum iron, transferrin saturation or hypochromic red cells).

Menitorix

Active immunization of infants from the age of 2 months and toddlers up to the age of 2 years for the prevention of invasive diseases caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and Neisseria meningitidis group C (MenC).

Metoject 50 mg/ml solution for injection

Metoject 50 mg/ml is indicated for the treatment of ? active rheumatoid arthritis in adult patients, ? polyarthritic forms of severe, active juvenile idiopathic arthritis, when the response to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) has been inadequate, ? severe recalcitrant disabling psoriasis, which is not adequately responsive to other forms of therapy such as phototherapy, PUVA, and retinoids, and severe psoriatic arthritis in adult patients.

Metatone Tonic

METATONE is indicated in the management of convalescence and debility.

Actrapid 100 IU/ml, Solution for Injection in a vial

Treatment of diabetes mellitus.

Acea 0.75% w/w Gel

The treatment of acute inflammatory exacerbations of rosacea.

Furosemide Injection BP 10mg/ml, 2ml, 5ml & 25ml

Furosemide is a potent diuretic and is recommended for use when prompt and effective diuresis is required.

Furosemide Injection B.P. 20mg/2ml and 50mg/5ml are appropriate for use in emergencies or where oral therapy is not feasible. The indications include cardiac, pulmonary, hepatic and renal oedema.

Furosemide Injection B.P. 250mg/25ml is for use in the management of oliguria due to acute or chronic renal insufficiency with a glomerular filtration rate below 20ml/minute

Boots Premjact Desensitizing Spray for Men 9.6% w/w cutaneous spray

To reduce tactile sensitivity of the penis in advance of intercourse as a means of delaying ejaculation in cases of over-rapid or precipitant ejaculation.

Zidovudine 250mg capsules

Zidovudine is indicated in anti-retroviral combination therapy for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infected adults and children. Zidovudine chemoprophylaxis is indicated for use in HIV-positive pregnant women (over 14 weeks of gestation) for prevention of maternal-foetal HIV transmission and for primary prophylaxis of HIV infection in newborn infants.

Zirtek allergy relief for children 1 mg/ml oral solution

In adults and children 6 years and above: - Cetirizine is indicated for the relief of nasal and ocular symptoms of seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis. - Cetirizine is indicated for the relief of symptoms of chronic idiopathic urticaria.

PepcidTwo

The short-term symptomatic relief of heartburn, indigestion, acid indigestion, and hyperacidity.

Onglyza 2.5mg & 5mg film-coated tablets

Add-on combination therapy

Onglyza is indicated in adult patients aged 18 years and older with type 2 diabetes mellitus to improve glycaemic control:

• in combination with metformin, when metformin alone, with diet and exercise, does not provide adequate glycaemic control;

• in combination with a sulphonylurea, when the sulphonylurea alone, with diet and exercise, does not provide adequate glycaemic control in patients for whom use of metformin is considered inappropriate.

• in combination with a thiazolidinedione, when the thiazolidinedione alone with diet and exercise, does not provide adequate glycaemic control in patients for whom use of a thiazolidinedione is considered appropriate.

• in combination with insulin (with or without metformin), when this regimen alone, with diet and exercise, does not provide adequate glycaemic control.

Styptic Pencil

Used as a haemostatic for superficial wounds and abrasions Relief of discomfort of insect bites and stings

Stelazine Syrup

Low dosage: 'Stelazine' is indicated as an adjunct in the short-term management of anxiety states, depressive symptoms secondary to anxiety and agitation. Orally it is also indicated in the symptomatic treatment of nausea and vomiting. High dosage: 'Stelazine' is intended for the treatment of symptoms and prevention of relapse in schizophrenia and in other psychoses, especially of the paranoid type, but not in depressive psychoses. It may also be used as an adjunct in short-term management of severe psychomotor agitation and of dangerously impulsive behaviour in, for example, mental subnormality.

Terbinafine 250mg Tablets

1. Treatment of Terbinafine sensitive fungal infections such as Tinea corporis, Tinea cruris and Tinea pedis is considered appropriate due to the site, severity or extent of the infection.

2. The treatment of onychomycosis (terbinafine-sensitive fungal infection of the nails) caused by dermatophytes.

TCP Antiseptic Ointment

For piles, embarrassing irritation (pruritus), cuts, grazes, minor wounds and skin irritation, minor burns and scalds, insect bites and stings and spots and pimples.

TCP Antiseptic Liquid

Symptomatic relief of sore throats including those associated with colds and influenza. Common mouth ulcers, cuts, grazes, bites, stings, boils, spots and pimples.

TCP Antiseptic Cream

Treatment of minor cuts, grazes, scratches, insect bites and stings, spots, pimples and blisters. TCP First Aid Antiseptic Cream can also be used as a first aid antiseptic hand cream

Aspirin Tablets BP 300mg

1) The relief of headache, toothache, migraine, neuralgia, sore throat, dysmenorrhoea.

2) The symptomatic relief of influenza, feverishness, rheumatic pains, sciatica, lumbago, fibrositis, muscular aches and pains.

3) It also has an antithrombotic action, mediated through inhibition of platelet activation, which has been shown to be useful in secondary prophylaxis following myocardial infarction, and in patients with unstable angina and cerebral transient ischaemic attacks.

Buttercup Syrup

For coughs, colds, sore throats, hoarseness

Buttercup Max Strength Sore Throat Lozenge

As an antiseptic, demulcent and local anaesthetic for the relief of sore throat and its associated pain.

Natrasleep

A herbal remedy traditionally used to encourage natural sleep

Paracodol tablets

For the short term treatment of acute moderate pain which is not relieved by paracetamol, ibuprofen or aspirin alone. For the treatment of acute moderate pain, including muscular and rheumatic pains, headache, migraine, neuralgia, toothache, period pains, aches and pains.

Compound Macrogol Oral Powder Sugar Free.

For the treatment of chronic constipation. Compound Macrogol Oral Powder Sugar Free is also effective in resolving faecal impaction, defined as refractory constipation with faecal loading of the rectum and/or colon.

Codeine Phosphate Tablets 60mg

1) Indicated as an analgesic for the relief of mild to moderate pain.

2) For the symptomatic relief of unproductive cough and diarrhoea

Codeine Phosphate Tablets 15mg

1) Indicated as an analgesic for the relief of mild to moderate pain.

2) For the symptomatic relief of unproductive cough and diarrhoea.

Metoclopramide 5 mg/ml Injection

1) The use of metoclopramide in patients under 20 years old should be restricted to the following: severe intractable vomiting of known cause, vomiting associated with radiotherapy and intolerance to cytotoxic drugs, as an aid to gastro-intestinal intubation, as part of the pre-medication before surgical procedures.

2) As a dopamine antagonist, motility stimulant to gastric emptying and small intestinal transit time by increasing gastric peristalsis and increasing the resting tone of the gastro-oesophageal sphincter.

3) Relief of symptoms associated with oesophageal reflux.

4) Treatment of non-specific or cytotoxic induced nausea and vomiting.

5) Relief of symptoms associated with migraine such as nausea and vomiting by speeding up gastric emptying. This also improves the absorption of concurrently administered analgesics such as paracetamol.

6) In diagnostic procedures, speeding transit time of radiopaque materials by increasing gastric emptying.

7) To facilitate intubation of the small intestine in patients in whom the tube (e.g. endoscope, biopsy tube) does not pass through the pylorus with conventional manoeuvres.

The 50 mg in 10 ml and 100 mg in 20 ml strength is deliberately formulated to provide for high dose therapy to counteract nausea and vomiting associated with cytotoxic therapy.

The 50 mg in 10 ml and 100 mg in 20 ml are not intended to be used for the broad indications outlined in the application for Metoclopramide 10 mg in 2 ml as reactions associated with metoclopramide are more likely with these higher doses.

Mycophenolate Mofetil Sandoz 250 mg capsules, hard

Mycophenolate mofetil is indicated in combination with ciclosporin and corticosteroids for the prophylaxis of acute transplant rejection in patients receiving allogeneic renal, cardiac or hepatic transplants.

Dorzolamide/Timolol 20mg/ml + 5mg/ml Eye Drops, Solution

Dorzolamide/Timolol 20mg/ml + 5mg/ml Eye Drops, Solution is indicated in the treatment of elevated intra-ocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open-angle glaucoma or pseudo-exfoliative glaucoma when topical beta-blocker monotherapy is not sufficient.

Cefalexin oral suspension BP 250mg/5ml

Ospexin syrup 250mg/5ml; Tenkorex Oral Suspension 250mg/5ml; Cefalexin oral suspension BP 250mg/5ml; Kiflone syrup 250mg/5ml is indicated for the treatment of respiratory tract infections (RTI's), urinary tract infections (UTI's), skin and soft tissue infections, otitis media and other infections due to sensitive organisms.

Enbrel 25 mg powder and solvent for solution for injection

Rheumatoid arthritis

Enbrel in combination with methotrexate is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis in adults when the response to disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, including methotrexate (unless contraindicated), has been inadequate.

Enbrel can be given as monotherapy in case of intolerance to methotrexate or when continued treatment with methotrexate is inappropriate.

Enbrel is also indicated in the treatment of severe, active and progressive rheumatoid arthritis in adults not previously treated with methotrexate.

Enbrel, alone or in combination with methotrexate, has been shown to reduce the rate of progression of joint damage as measured by X-ray and to improve physical function.

Polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Treatment of active polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis in children and adolescents from the age of 2 years who have had an inadequate response to, or who have proved intolerant of, methotrexate. Enbrel has not been studied in children aged less than 2 years.

Psoriatic arthritis

Treatment of active and progressive psoriatic arthritis in adults when the response to previous disease-modifying antirheumatic drug therapy has been inadequate. Enbrel has been shown to improve physical function in patients with psoriatic arthritis, and to reduce the rate of progression of peripheral joint damage as measured by X-ray in patients with polyarticular symmetrical subtypes of the disease.

Ankylosing spondylitis

Treatment of adults with severe active ankylosing spondylitis who have had an inadequate response to conventional therapy.

Plaque psoriasis

Treatment of adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis who failed to respond to, or who have a contraindication to, or are intolerant to other systemic therapy, including ciclosporin, methotrexate or psoralen and ultraviolet-A light (PUVA) (see section 5.1).

Paediatric plaque psoriasis

Treatment of chronic severe plaque psoriasis in children and adolescents from the age of 6 years who are inadequately controlled by, or are intolerant to, other systemic therapies or phototherapies.

Trobalt

Trobalt is indicated as adjunctive treatment of partial onset seizures with or without secondary generalisation in adults aged 18 years and above with epilepsy.

Boots Ibuprofen 6 Months Plus 100mg/5ml Suspension Strawberry Flavour

For the fast and effective reduction of fever, including post immunisation pyrexia and the fast and effective relief of mild to moderate pain, such as a sore throat, teething pain, toothache, earache, headache, minor aches and sprains.

Boots NicAssist Translucent 10 mg Patch

Nicorette Invisi Patch relieves and/or prevents craving and nicotine withdrawal symptoms associated with tobacco dependence. It is indicated to aid smokers wishing to quit or reduce prior to quitting, to assist smokers who are unwilling or unable to smoke, and as a safer alternative to smoking for smokers and those around them. Nicorette Invisi Patch is indicated in pregnant and lactating women making a quit attempt. If possible, Nicorette Invisi Patch should be used in conjunction with a behavioural support programme.

Boots Hayfever Relief 50 microgram Nasal Spray

Hayfever Relief Spray is indicated for the treatment and prevention of seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis, hayfever and vasomotor rhinitis. The drug has a potent anti-inflammatory effect within the respiratory tract.

Mezzopram 10 mg Dispersible Gastro-resistant Tablets

Mezzopram Dispersible gastro-resistant tablets are indicated for: Adults • Treatment of duodenal ulcers • Prevention of relapse of duodenal ulcers • Treatment of gastric ulcers • Prevention of relapse of gastric ulcers • In combination with appropriate antibiotics, Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication in peptic ulcer disease • Treatment of NSAID-associated gastric and duodenal ulcers • Prevention of NSAID-associated gastric and duodenal ulcers in patients at risk • Treatment of reflux oesophagitis • Long-term management of patients with healed reflux oesophagitis • Treatment of symptomatic gastro-oesophageal reflux disease • Treatment of Zollinger-Ellison syndrome Paediatric use Children over 1 year of age and 10 kg • Treatment of reflux oesophagitis • Symptomatic treatment of heartburn and acid regurgitation in gastro-oesophageal reflux disease Children and adolescents over 4 years of age • In combination with antibiotics in treatment of duodenal ulcer caused by H. pylori

Leflunomide Winthrop 20mg tablets

Leflunomide is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with: • active rheumatoid arthritis as a "disease-modifying antirheumatic drug" (DMARD), • active psoriatic arthritis. Recent or concurrent treatment with hepatotoxic or haematotoxic DMARDs (e.g. methotrexate) may result in an increased risk of serious adverse reactions; therefore, the initiation of leflunomide treatment has to be carefully considered regarding these benefit/risk aspects. Moreover, switching from leflunomide to another DMARD without following the washout procedure (see section 4.4) may also increase the risk of serious adverse reactions even for a long time after the switching.

Jevtana

JEVTANA in combination with prednisone or prednisolone is indicated for the treatment of patients with hormone refractory metastatic prostate cancer previously treated with a docetaxel-containing regimen.