Selected items from the News and Latest Additions sections of www.palliativedrugs.com, the world’s leading palliative care website.

Drug updates

Olanzapine injection to be discontinued in UK

Olanzapine injection, powder for reconstitution 5mg/mL, 10mg vial (Zyprexa; Lilly), is to be discontinued in theUK31st August 2012, for sales volume reasons. There is no generic or alternative olanzapine injectable formulation available in theUK. It will still be available in other Countries outside theUK.

Note: the depot injection, olanzapine embonate (ZypAdhera; Lilly) will remain available in theUK.

Cyclizine (Valoid) 50mg tablets marketing authorization transferred to generic

The UK marketing authorization for cyclizine 50mg tablets (Valoid, Amdipharm) has been transferred to its sister company Waymade Healthcare. Although the Valoid brand of tablets is no longer available in the UK, generic cyclizine 50mg tablets (100 pack) are now available through Waymade’s Sovereign livery (01268 535230). The generic tablets can be obtained via usual wholesalers and there are no known supply issues. It is thought that the marketing authorization for cyclizine 50mg tablets (Valoid) inIreland,New ZealandandAustraliais to remain with Amdipharm.

Roche discontinue midazolam 10mg/5mL injection

Roche have discontinued midazolam hydrochloride (Hypnovel) 2mg/mL (5mL ampoule) solution for injection in theUKfor commercial reasons. A generic midazolam 2mg/mL (5mL ampoule) injection formulation is available. The high strength Hypnovel formulation midazolam 5mg/mL (2mL ampoule) injection is still available.

FDA approve pregabalin for neuropathic pain associated with spinal cord injury

US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved pregabalin capsules and oral solution (Lyrica capsules or oral solution CV; Pfizer) for the treatment of neuropathic pain associated with spinal cord injury. For more information click here.

Prepared by Sarah Charlesworth and Andrew Wilcock