August 2023

New Products

• Avatrombopag (as maleate) (Doptelet) is an orally bioavailable, small molecule thrombopoietin receptor (TPO‑R) agonist. It stimulates proliferation and differentiation of megakaryocytes from bone marrow progenitor cells, resulting in an increased production of platelets. Avatrombopag does not compete with TPO for binding to the TPO receptor and has an additive effect with TPO on platelet production. Doptelet is indicated for the treatment of thrombocytopenia in adult patients with chronic liver disease who are scheduled to undergo a procedure, or with chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) who have had an insufficient response to a previous treatment. Doptelet tablets contain avatrombopag 20 mg and are available in packs of 30.
   
• Carboprost (as trometamol) (Carboprost‑Reach) is a synthetic 15‑methyl analogue of dinoprost (prostaglandin F2alpha). It is a uterine stimulant with a more prolonged action than dinoprost. When used in postpartum haemorrhage, it stimulates the uterus to contract in a manner similar to that normally observed in the uterus following delivery. The resulting myometrial contractions provide haemostasis at the site of placentation and hence prevent further blood loss. Carboprost‑Reach is indicated for the treatment of postpartum haemorrhage due to uterine atony which has not responded to conventional methods of management. Carboprost‑Reach is contraindicated in acute pelvic inflammatory disease; in patients with active cardiac, pulmonary, renal or hepatic disease; and in pregnancy. Carboprost‑Reach solution for injection contains carboprost 250 mcg per 1 mL and is available in a pack of 1 vial.
   
• Lenacapavir (as sodium) (Sunlenca) is a multistage, selective inhibitor of HIV‑1 capsid function that directly binds to the interface between capsid protein (CA) subunits. Lenacapavir inhibits HIV‑1 replication by interfering with multiple, essential steps of the viral lifecycle, including capsid‑mediated nuclear uptake of HIV‑1 proviral DNA (by blocking nuclear import proteins binding to capsid), virus assembly (by interfering with Gag/Gag‑Pol functioning, reducing production of CA subunits), and capsid core formation (by disrupting the rate of capsid subunit association, leading to virions with malformed capsids and reduced infectivity). Lenacapavir has activity that is specific to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV‑1 and HIV‑2). Sunlenca, in combination with other antiretrovirals, is indicated for the treatment of adults with multidrug resistant HIV‑1 infection for whom it is otherwise not possible to construct a suppressive anti‑viral regimen. Coadministration of Sunlenca with strong inducers of CYP3A, P‑gp, and UGT1A1, such as rifampicin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, or St. John’s wort is contraindicated. Sunlenca solution for injection contains lenacapavir 463.5 mg per 1.5 mL vial and is available in a kit with 2 vials. Sunlenca tablets contain lenacapavir 300 mg and are available in packs of 5.

New Presentation

• Elasomeran and davesomeran (Spikevax Bivalent Original/Omicron BA.4‑5) is now available in a single dose vial pack containing elasomeran 25 mcg and davesomeran 25 mcg per 0.5 mL.
   
• Fosnetupitant (as chloride hydrochloride) and palonosetron (as hydrochloride) (Akynzeo IV) is now available as a concentrated injection for infusion containing fosnetupitant 235 mg and palonosetron 250 mcg per 20 mL in a pack of 1 vial.

New Indications

• Durvalumab (Imfinzi) is now indicated in combination with tremelimumab for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma who have not received prior treatment with a PD‑1/PD‑L1 inhibitor.
   
• Vedolizumab (Entyvio) is now indicated for the treatment of adult patients with moderate to severe chronic pouchitis, who have undergone proctocolectomy and ileal pouch anal anastomosis for ulcerative colitis, and have had an inadequate response with or lost response to antibiotic therapy.

New Contraindications

• Naproxen (Naprosyn, Naprosyn SR and Anaprox 550) is now contraindicated in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy.

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.