In reply: The publications reviewed in Stockigt’s article1 are compendia of product information (PI). Their currency therefore relies on manufacturers keeping the PI up to date. A short scan quickly shows that the PI of some brands has apparently not needed amending for more than 5 years. Examples include certain brands of digoxin (last updated in 2000), roxithromycin (2000), levamisole (1999), levocabastine (1998), pindolol (1993) and ergometrine (1991).
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- Australian Prescriber, Canberra, ACT.
Correspondence: jdowden@nps.org.au
- 1. Stockigt JR. Barriers in the quest for quality drug information: salutary lessons from TGA-approved sources for thyroid-related medications. Med J Aust 2007; 186: 76-79. <MJA full text>
- 2. Dowden JS. Product information past perfect [editorial]. Med J Aust 2007; 186: 51-52. <MJA full text>
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