Pharmacy on Web

28 January 2010

GSK is recalling batch 35222 of Marevan 3mg tablets because of a manufacturing problem that could have resulted in the amount of warfarin in the tablet possibly being more than the labelled amount in some tablets, some warfarin 3mg tablets appears to be larger in size than normal.

Medsafe and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), are recalling all Marevan (warfarin) 3mg tablets dispensed since November 23 last year due to the manufacturing error. Warfarin is anti-coagulant treatment used to help prevent blood clots.

Pharmacy staff are asked to immediately quarantine all stock of this batch.New stock of a different batch number is available now from wholesalers.

All patients dispensed Marevan 3mg since 23 November 2009 will be asked, by public notice and by contact from pharmacies, to return all their Marevan 3mg tablets (irrespective of batch) which will be replace with the same number of tablets from a new batch. 

If you or one of your patients finds a Marevan 3mg tablet that appears to be larger in size than normal, please contact GSK immediately on 0800 696 308.

Patients on warfarin 3mg are advise to check if they have signs of abnormal bleeding, bruising or other symptoms of warfarin overdose, and to contact their doctor or clinic if further INR testing or a clinical assessment is required.

20 January 2010

Janssen-Cilag Pty Ltd New Zealand launches Priligy tablet (Dapoxetine Hcl), a new oral, on-demand medication specifically indicated for the treatment of premature ejaculation (PE), in men 18 to 64 years of age, who have all of the following:
• Persistent or recurrent ejaculation with minimal sexual stimulation before, on, or shortly after
penetration and before the patient wishes and
• Marked personal distress or interpersonal difficulty as a consequence of PE, and
• Poor control over ejaculation.

Significant efficacy has been demonstrated across the 3 components of PE with Priligy
• Extended time to ejaculation
• Increased control over ejaculation
• Reduced personal distress with improved sexual satisfaction
Please Note:
• Priligy is an unfunded, prescription only medicine.
Patients will need to pay for this medicine and GP consultation fees.
• Prices may vary between pharmacies.

Precaution for patients on cardivascular and CNS antidepressant medications.
Priligy, comes in 2 strengths 30mg and 60mg tablets. A 3 tablet pack of Priligy 30mg  will cost approximately NZ$80 but price varies between pharmacies.

19 January 2010

1 in 4 people suffers from dry mouth due to lack of saliva production. The role of is really important because Saliva contains mucus, antibodies and enzymes. functions:
Lubrication and binding
Solubilizes dry foods
Cleans oral cavity
Initiates starch digestion
Provides alkaline buffering and fluid
Evaporates cooling
Protects teeth against caries
Protects against bacteria
Xerostomia is a consequence not only of the decrease of the quantity but also of the quality of saliva.
However, only when the saliva is reduced by 50 % or more, dry mouth or xerostomia is perceived.Dry mouth makes your mouth unprotected and hence requires extra protection.

Xerostom has a wide range of dry mouth products to choose from including salvia substitute gel, mouth wash, tooth paste, gums and pastilles.

Xerostom uses a unique active ingredient, saliactive to stimulate saliva production.