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RxLink® is a Registered Trademark of RPhLink, Inc. Any unauthorized use of this Trademark would be considered the violation of law.

 

09/13/04

From: Novartis

Distribution Changes for Lamprene

RxLink Pharmacist:

As a regular dispenser of Lamprene (clofazimine), you may already be aware that Novartis has joined with the World Health Organization (WHO) to eradicate leprosy. As part of this commitment, we will provide Lamprene free of charge to patients around the world.

In the United States, our partner in this effort is the National Hansen's Disease Programs (NHDP), a unit of the US Department of Health and Human Services, based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. When US wholesalers, pharmacy chains and individual pharmacies deplete their inventories of Lamprene later this year, the product will no longer be sold in pharmacies and will only be distributed under an Investigational New Drug (IND) application held by NHDP.

Beginning approximately July 1, 2004, or whenever you can no longer acquire Lamprene through your normal supplier, any requests that you receive for Lamprene for the treatment of leprosy should be directed to :

Renee Painter

Administrative Officer

Laboratory Research Branch

RPAINTI@LSU.EDU

Skip Bertman Drive

Baton Rouge, LA  70803

Phone: 225-578-9861

Fax: 225-578-9856

To receive Lamprene for use in the treatment of leprosy, a physician will need to register as an investigator under the IND held by NHDP. Ms. Painter will provide physicians with the necessary paperwork for this process.

In addition, the FDA has requested that Lamprene be available for the treatment of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDRTB). For this purpose, Lamprene will be distributed via single patient INDs administered by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). All requests for use of Lamprene (clofazimine) for the treatment of MDRTB must be directed to:

Division of Special Pathogen and Immunologic Drug Products (HFD-590)

Center for Drug Evaluation and Research

Food and Drug Administration

301-827-2127

Upon Approval of the patient IND, the FDA will request NHDP to distribute Lamprene directly to the Prescriber.

If you have any questions about this process, please contact Novartis at 1-888-NOW-NOVA between 9:00AM and 5:00PM Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday

Sincerely,

Stephen Cunningham, MD

Vice President and Head

US Clinical Development & Medical Affairs

Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation


General Pharmacy Classified | Pharmacy Antiques | Pharmacy Collectibles | Rx Computing 

11/01/2004

To: RxLink

From: Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals and Abbott Laboratories

Micardis and Micardis HCT

Providing powerful antihypertensive efficacy that lasts even into the risky early morning hours has just gotten easier.

Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (BIPI) and Abbott Laboratories-Pharmaceuticals Products Division (PPD) are pleased to announce effective the week of October 25, 2004, we began shipping MICARDIS (telmisartan) tablets and MICARDIS HCT (telmisartan/hydrochlorothiazide) tablets in more convenient, patient-friendly 30 tablet boxes. In addition, the new packaging with 3x10 tablet blister cards will be perforated and contain a lot number and expiration date behind each tablet, making it easier for pharmacies and institutions to provide unit dosing when necessary. Please note MICARDIS 2o mg will remain in 28-tablet packages.

Due to the additional tablets contained in each package, the NDC codes and cost per package have changed on all affected SKUs. This is NOT a price increase; the price per tablet is the same. The cost is different to reflect the new 30-tablet package. New NDC numbers and packaging information can be found on the attached product fact sheet.

Wholesalers began receiving the new 30-tablet packages the week of October 25. After they have depleted their 28-tablet packages, they will begin shipping the 30-tablet packages. It is anticipated that you will begin seeing the new 30-count in your pharmacy by mid-November.

BIPI and Abbott Laboratories-PPD have asked the wholesalers to link the order entry numbers for the MICARDIS and MICARDIS HCT 28-tablet packages with the new 30-tablet packages to ensure a continuous and uninterrupted supply in your pharmacy.

Pricing services and other agencies have been notified of this change well in advance to ensure ample time for loading into the databases.

Please continue to use any 28-tablet packages you have or receive prior to beginning to dispense new 30-tablet packages. Both 28-tablet-package and 30-tablet-package NDC's will remain active for reimbursement purposes. Please be sure to exhaust your supply of 28-tablet packages prior to dispensing the new 30-tablet packages. Do NOT return any saleable 28-tablet packages.

The BIPI return program for expired product will apply to all expired MICARDIS and MICARDIS HCT. Information regarding this program is available by contacting Capital Returns, Inc. 1-800-950-5479.

We are excited to bring you this new packaging because we believe that it will not only make therapy more convenient for patients, it should also make your job just a little easier too.

Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Abbott Laboratories-PPD thank you for your continued support.

Sincerely,

Robert Belknap

Executive Director, Trade Relations

Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Tip Parker, RPh

Director Trade Relations & Pharmacy Development

Abbott Laboratories-PPD

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