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New Products
- Abemaciclib (Verzenio) is an inhibitor of cyclin D-dependent kinase 4 and 6 (CDK4 and CDK6), with most activity against cyclin D1/CDK4. It prevents retinoblastoma protein phosphorylation, blocking progression from G1 into S phase of the cell cycle, leading to suppression of tumour growth in breast cancer. Verzenio is indicated for the treatment of hormone receptor positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) negative, locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer, in combination with an aromatase inhibitor or fulvestrant, as initial endocrine-based therapy, or following prior endocrine therapy. In pre- or perimenopausal women, the endocrine therapy should be combined with a luteinising hormone-releasing hormone agonist. Verzenio tablets contain 50 mg, 100 mg or 150 mg abemaciclib and are available in a pack size of 56.
- Isavuconazole (sulfate) (Cresemba) inhibits the synthesis of ergosterol, a key component of the fungal cell membrane, through the inhibition of cytochrome P450 dependent enzyme lanosterol 14-alpha-demethylase, the enzyme responsible for the conversion of lanosterol to ergosterol. Cresemba is indicated in adults for the treatment of invasive aspergillosis; and mucormycosis in patients for whom amphotericin B is inappropriate. Cresemba is contraindicated in combination with ketoconazole, high dose ritonavir (> 200 mg every 12 hours), strong CYP3A4/5 inducers (e.g. rifampicin, rifabutin, carbamazepine, long-acting barbiturates (incl phenobarbital), phenytoin and St John’s wort) or with moderate CYP3A4/5 inducers (e.g. efavirenz, nafcillin and etravirine); and in familial short QT syndrome. Cresemba is available as a powder for injection containing 200 mg/vial isavuconazole (available in packs of 1) and as capsules containing 100 mg isavuconazole (available in packs of 14).
- Sodium glycerophosphate (Glycophos) is a metabolic intermediate in fat metabolism. Glycophos is indicated in adults and children as a supplement to parenteral nutrition to meet the daily requirements of phosphate. Glycophos should not be given to patients in a state of dehydration or with hypernatraemia, hyperphosphataemia, severe renal insufficiency or shock. Glycophos concentrated solution for infusion contains 4.32 g/20 mL sodium glycerophosphate and is available in pack size of 20 ampoules.
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New Indications
- Glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (Maviret) is now indicated for the treatment of adolescent patients 12 years and older with chronic hepatitis C virus genotype 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 infection with or without compensated cirrhosis.
- Trifluridine/tipiracil hydrochloride (Lonsurf) is now indicated for the treatment of adults with metastatic gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma previously treated with at least two prior lines of chemotherapy that included a fluoropyrimidine, a platinum, either a taxane or irinotecan, and if appropriate, HER2/neu-targeted therapy.
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New Contraindications
- Oxycodone hydrochloride/naloxone hydrochloride (Targin) is now contraindicated in severe respiratory depression with hypoxia and/or hypercapnia.
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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.
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