Sirdupla: new LABA/corticosteroid inhaler

Sirdupla (salmeterol/fluticasone) has been launched for use in adults with asthma where a long-acting ß2-agonist and inhaled corticosteroid is appropriate.

Zevtera: a new cephalosporin antibiotic

Basilea has launched Zevtera (ceftobiprole), a new intravenous antibiotic for the treatment of pneumonia.

Imnovid: new safety warnings
Healthcare professionals should be vigilant for signs or symptoms of cardiac failure, interstitial lung disease (ILD) and hepatotoxicity in patients taking the myeloma treatment pomalidomide (Imnovid), the MHRA has advised.

Hepatitis C antivirals: risk of severe bradycardia
Clinically significant arrhythmias have been reported when Harvoni (sofosbuvir + ledipasvir) or Daklinza (daclatasvir) in combination with Sovaldi (sofosbuvir) are given concomitantly with amiodarone.

New treatment option for adolescents with schizophrenia
The licensing of Invega (paliperidone) has been extended to include children from 15 years old with schizophrenia.

G Mohan.