Hi all
> discontinued the supply of phenylbutazone tablets
> world-wide. As
> I have several patients who depend on this drug,
I'm not sure what Peter means by "depend" - given the well-known
haematological disorders associated with pyrazolones,
phenylbutazone is registered in South Africa only for the
management of acute ankylosing spondylitis, with the duration of
therapy not to exceed 1 week (within recommended dose ranges -
400-600mg/day in divided doses, with food, for the first few days,
then reduced to 200mg/day). Caution is also expressed against
repeated short-term use. The SA Medicines Formulary (4th Ed,
1997) listed 3 generic versions available in SA, but I'm not sure
what the NZ import requirements would be (unless obtained on a
named-patient, compassionate use basis, in which case
registration might not necessary) or whether the products are still
available. Interestingly, unlike other anti-inflammatory products,
phenylbutazone is registered in Schedule 4, which means that
repeats can only be made if the prescriber indicates the number of
repeats (cf 3, where the pharmacist can repeat for up to 6
months). The less toxic azapropazone is also available (S3, no
additional restrictions).
regards
Andy
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