MIMS Monthly Update
New Products
Antizol (fomepizole) is a competitive inhibitor of alcohol dehydrogenase. Alcohol dehydrogenase catalyses the oxidation of ethanol to acetaldehyde. Alcohol dehydrogenase also catalyses the initial steps in the metabolism of ethylene glycol and methanol to their toxic metabolites. Metabolic acidosis and renal damage are seen with ethylene glycol toxicosis. Metabolic acidosis and visual disturbances (e.g. decreased visual activity and potential blindness) are associated with methanol poisoning. Antizol is indicated for the treatment of ethylene glycol or methanol poisoning. Antizol solution for intravenous infusion (fomepizole 1.5 g/1.5 mL) is supplied in a pack of 4 vials.
New Indications
Fraxiparine (nadroparin calcium) is now indicated for prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism in high-risk medical patients who are immobilised due to acute illness or hospitalised in an intensive care unit.
Keytruda (pembrolizumab (rch)) as monotherapy is now indicated for the treatment of adults with relapsed or refractory classical Hodgkin lymphoma following autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT), or following at least two prior therapies when ASCT or multi-agent chemotherapy is not a treatment option. The approval of this indication is on the basis of objective response rate.
New Contraindications
Invirase (saquinavir) is now contraindicated with concomitant rilpivirine, dasatinib or sunitinib due to potentially life threatening cardiac arrhythmia, or lurasidone due to potentially serious and/or life threatening reactions.
Mersyndol and Panalgesic (paracetamol, codeine phosphate hemihydrate and doxylamine succinate) are now contraindicated in children younger than 12 years.
Mersyndol Day Strength, Panamax Co, Prodeine and Prodeinextra (paracetamol, codeine phosphate hemihydrate) are now contraindicated in children younger than 12 years.
Navelbine (vinorelbine tartrate) is now contraindicated with neutrophil count < 1500 cells/mm3, current or recent infection (within 2 weeks), platelet count < 100,000 cells/mm3, or use in combination with yellow fever vaccine.
Neulactil (periciazine) is now contraindicated with previous history of agranulocytosis, risk of urinary retention due to urethroprostatic disorders, children younger than 1 year (due to a possible link between use of phenothiazine containing products and sudden infant death syndrome), or in combination with dopaminergic antiparkinsonism agents.
Proctosedyl (cinchocaine hydrochloride, hydrocortisone) is now contraindicated in bacterial, fungal or parasitic infections.
Zomacton (somatropin (rbe)) treatment should be discontinued at renal transplantation in children with chronic renal disease. This list is a summary of only some of the changes that have occurred over the last month. Before prescribing, always refer to the full product information.