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ACTEMRA (tocilizumab)

ACTEMRA (tocilizumab)

ACTEMRA is used to treat moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and active systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA) in children over two years of age. ACTEMRA belongs to a group of medicines called anti-rheumatic agents. There are many different classes of anti-rheumatic agents. ACTEMRA belongs to a class called monoclonal antibodies. ACTEMRA contains the active ingredient tocilizumab. Some of the symptoms of RA and sJIA are caused by the actions of a protein called interleukin-6 receptor (IL-6R). ACTEMRA works by binding and blocking IL-6R.

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Anaprox (naproxen)

Anaprox (naproxen)

ANAPROX relieves pain and reduces inflammation (swelling, redness and soreness). It belongs to a family of medicines called Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). ANAPROX contains the active ingredient naproxen sodium.

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Anexate (flumazenil)

Anexate (flumazenil)

ANEXATE is used to reverse benzodiazepine overdose, both suspected and known. It is given to arouse people after surgery or benzodiazepine overdose. ANEXATE contains the active ingredient flumazenil.

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Avastin (bevacizumab)

Avastin (bevacizumab)

AVASTIN is used to treat brain tumours, metastatic (spreading) cancer of the large bowel (i.e. in the colon or rectum), breast and lung in combination with chemotherapy agents and kidney cancer (renal cell cancer) in combination with interferon therapy (ROFERON-A®). AVASTIN contains the active ingredient bevacizumab. AVASTIN belongs to a group of medicines known as antineoplastic (or anticancer) agents. There are many different classes of antineoplastic agents. AVASTIN belongs to a class known as anti-angiogenic agents. Anti-angiogenic agents inhibit angiogenesis (the process of forming new blood vessels in your body).

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Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole trimethoprim)

Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole trimethoprim)

BACTRIM is an antibiotic used to treat infections in different parts of the body, caused by bacteria. It contains the active ingredients sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim, also known as co-trimoxazole. BACTRIM works by stopping the growth of the bacteria causing the infection. BACTRIM will not work against infections caused by viruses, such as colds and flu.

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CellCept (mycophenolate mofetil)

CellCept (mycophenolate mofetil)

CellCept belongs to a group of medicines called immunosuppressants. Immunosuppressants are used to prevent rejection of transplanted organs, and work by stopping the immune system from reacting to the transplanted organ. CellCept contains the active ingredient mycophenolate mofetil. CellCept may be used together with other medicines known as cyclosporin and corticosteroids.

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Cymevene (ganciclovir)

Cymevene (ganciclovir)

CYMEVENE acts against a type of herpes virus called cytomegalovirus or CMV. CYMEVENE helps control CMV eye infections in AIDS patients and in other patients who have poor immunity, which if left untreated can cause blindness. CYMEVENE may also be used to treat CMV lung infections in bone marrow transplant patients and to prevent CMV infection and disease in patients following bone marrow or solid organ transplantation. CYMEVENE contains the active ingredient ganciclovir. CYMEVENE belongs to a class of medicines used to treat viral infections. It works by stopping certain viruses from growing in the body. 

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Dilatrend (carvedilol)

Dilatrend (carvedilol)

DILATREND is used to treat heart failure and high blood pressure, which is called hypertension. DILATREND contains the active ingredient carvedilol. It belongs to a group of medicines called beta-blockers. These medicines work by relaxing tightened blood vessels and slowing the heart rate. DILATREND has the additional effect of being an antioxidant.

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Fuzeon (enfuvirtide)

Fuzeon (enfuvirtide)

FUZEON is used for the treatment of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), the virus which causes AIDS. FUZEON belongs to a group of medicines called anti-HIV drugs. It contains the active ingredient enfuvirtide. FUZEON works by blocking the entry of HIV into cells that the virus attacks (called CD4 or T cells) in your blood. FUZEON is used in combination with other anti-HIV medicines to treat people with HIV.

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Herceptin (trastuzumab)

Herceptin (trastuzumab)

HERCEPTIN is used to treat breast and gastric cancer in patients who have tested positive for the protein HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2). HER2 is found in large amounts on the surface of some cancer cells. HERCEPTIN contains an active ingredient called trastuzumab. HERCEPTIN belongs to a group of medicines known as anti-neoplastic (or anti-cancer) agents. There are many different classes of anti-neoplastic agenda. HERCEPTIN belongs to a class called monoclonal antibodies. When Herceptin binds to HER2 it stops the growth and spread of cancer cells.

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Hypnovel (midazolam)

Hypnovel (midazolam)

HYPNOVEL can cause sedation, hypnosis, amnesia and/or anaesthesia, depending on the dose. HYPNOVEL belongs to a group of medicines called benzodiazepines. They are thought to work by their action on brain chemicals. HYPNOVEL contains the active ingredient midazolam. HYPNOVEL may be injected as a sedative during some short medical procedures. HYPNOVEL may be injected before an operation to induce sleepiness or drowsiness and to relieve anxiety. If used in an intensive care unit, HYPNOVEL may be infused over several hours or days as a sedative.

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Invirase (saquinavir)

Invirase (saquinavir)

INVIRASE is used for the treatment of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). It belongs to a group of medicines called anti-HIV drugs and contains the active ingredient saquinavir. Within this group, INVIRASE belongs to a class of drugs called HIV protease inhibitors. It works by interfering with the viral reproductive cycle.

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Konakion MM (phytomenadione)

Konakion MM (phytomenadione)

KONAKION MM is used to treat excessive bleeding problems. It contains the active ingredient phytomenadione (also called Vitamin K). Vitamin K substances are used to treat blood clotting problems and work by reversing some of the causes of excessive bleeding. This risk of bleeding is usually caused by too much medication to treat blood clots (also known as anticoagulant medication).

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Konakion MM Paediatric (phytomenadione)

Konakion MM Paediatric (phytomenadione)

KONAKION MM Paediatric is used to treat blood clotting problems. It contains the active ingredient phytomenadione (also called Vitamin K). Vitamin K is used to prevent and treat vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB). This is when the newborn or older babies bleed excessively as the blood clotting system is not fully developed. Vitamin K works by reversing some of the causes of excessive bleeding. There are many different types of medicines used to treat bleeding disorders. Konakion MM Paediatric belongs to one of these groups.

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Kredex (carvedilol)

Kredex (carvedilol)

KREDEX is used to treat heart failure and high blood pressure, which is called hypertension. It contains the active ingredient carvedilol. KREDEX belongs to a group of medicines called beta-blockers. These medicines work by relaxing tightened blood vessels and slowing the heart rate. KREDEX has the additional effect of being an antioxidant.

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Lariam (mefloquine)

Lariam (mefloquine)

LARIAM is used for the treatment and prevention of malaria resistant to other anti-malarial medicines and caused by the Plasmodium falciparum parasite. LARIAM belongs to a group of medicines called quinolones (pronounced kwin-o-lones). LARIAM contains the active ingredient mefloquine. LARIAM works by killing the parasites that may cause or have caused malaria.

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Lexotan (bromazepam)

Lexotan (bromazepam)

LEXOTAN is used for anxiety, tension or agitation. LEXOTAN contains the active ingredient bromazepam. LEXOTAN belongs to a group of medicines called benzodiazepines. They are thought to work by their action on brain chemicals. Anxiety or tension associated with the normal stress of everyday life usually does not require treatment with medicines.

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MabThera (rituximab)

MabThera (rituximab)

MabThera is used to treat non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. MabThera belongs to a group of medicines known as anti-cancer agents. There are many different classes of anti-cancer agents. MabThera belongs to a class called monoclonal antibodies. MabThera works by binding to a protein on the surface of certain white blood cells known as B lymphocytes. During the process of binding to the protein, the abnormal growth of the B lymphocytes is stopped. It is the abnormally growing B lymphocytes that are responsible for certain types of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. MabThera may be used on its own or together with chemotherapy. MabThera contains the active ingredient rituximab.

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MabThera RA (rituximab)

MabThera RA (rituximab)

MabThera is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease of the joints. MabThera belongs to a group of medicines known as monoclonal antibodies. MabThera contains the active ingredient called rituximab. Rituximab is a monoclonal antibody. Monoclonal antibodies are proteins which specifically recognise and bind to another unique protein called an antigen. MabThera works by binding to a protein on the surface of certain white blood cells known as B lymphocytes. It is the B lymphocytes that cause the inflammation responsible for rheumatoid arthritis. By binding to the protein MabThera reduces the ability of B lymphocytes to cause inflammation.

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Madopar (levodopa benserazide)

Madopar (levodopa benserazide)

MADOPAR belongs to a group of medicines called antiparkinsonian agents. Antiparkinsonian agents are used to treat Parkinson’s disease and work on the central nervous system. MADOPAR contains active ingredients called levodopa and benserazide. The symptoms of Parkinson’s disease are caused by a deficiency of a natural substance in the nervous system. MADOPAR helps to replace this substance. By improving muscle control, MADOPAR allows more normal movements of the body.

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MIRCERA (methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta)

MIRCERA (methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta)

MIRCERA is used to treat anaemia caused by chronic kidney disease (kidney failure). MIRCERA contains the active ingredient methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta and belongs to a group of medicines known as hormones. The kidneys produce the natural hormone erythropoietin, which stimulates the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow and spleen. Like erythropoietin, MIRCERA works by increasing the number of red blood cells and the haemoglobin level in the blood.

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Naprosyn (naproxen)

Naprosyn (naproxen)

NAPROSYN relieves pain and reduces inflammation (swelling, redness and soreness). It belongs to a family of medicines called Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). NAPROSYN contains the active ingredient naproxen.

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Naprosyn SR (naproxen)

Naprosyn SR (naproxen)

NAPROSYN SR relieves pain and reduces inflammation (swelling, redness and soreness) that may occur in different types of arthritis including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. NAPROSYN SR belongs to a family of medicines called Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). As the active ingredient in NAPROSYN SR, naproxen, is released slowly into the bloodstream during the day, the tablets are not suitable for use in conditions where rapid pain relief is needed (e.g. migraine attacks or in conditions needing only short term pain relief).

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NeoRecormon (epoetin beta)

NeoRecormon (epoetin beta)

NEORECORMON is used to treat anaemia. NEORECORMON contains the active ingredient epoetin beta (also known as recombinant human erythropoietin) and belongs to a group of medicines known as hormones. The kidneys produce the natural hormone erythropoietin, which stimulates the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow and spleen. Like erythropoietin, NEORECORMON works by increasing the number of red blood cells and the haemoglobin level in the blood.

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Pegasys (peginterferon alpha 2a)

Pegasys (peginterferon alpha 2a)

PEGASYS is used to treat chronic hepatitis B or C, which are viral infections of the liver. PEGASYS contains the active ingredient peginterferon alfa-2a. PEGASYS belongs to a group of medicines called interferons. PEGASYS is a long-acting interferon. Interferons are proteins that modify the response of the body’s immune system to help fight infections and severe diseases.

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Pegasys RBV (peginterferon alfa 2a ribavirin)

Pegasys RBV (peginterferon alfa 2a ribavirin)

PEGASYS RBV consists of two products, an injection called PEGASYS and tablets called COPEGUS. PEGASYS contains the active ingredient peginterferon alfa-2a and COPEGUS contains the active ingredient ribavirin. PEGASYS belongs to a group of medicines called interferons. PEGASYS is a long-acting interferon. Interferons are proteins that modify the response of the body’s immune system to help fight infections and severe disease.

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Proxen SR (naproxen)

Proxen SR (naproxen)

PROXEN SR relieves pain and reduces inflammation (swelling, redness and soreness) that may occur in different types of arthritis including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. PROXEN SR belongs to a family of medicines called Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). As the active ingredient in PROXEN SR, naproxen, is released slowly into the bloodstream during the day, the tablets are not suitable for use in conditions where rapid pain relief is needed (e.g. migraine attacks or in conditions needing only short term pain relief).

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Pulmozyme (dornase alfa)

Pulmozyme (dornase alfa)

PULMOZYME is used to help people who have cystic fibrosis (CF). CF is a hereditary disease in which secretions, mainly of the lung passages and pancreas, are affected. However, PULMOZYME is not a cure for this disease. PULMOZYME contains dornase alfa which is an enzyme. This enzyme is almost identical to the one that is found in people without CF. The enzyme in PULMOZYME breaks down a substance (DNA) contained in lung secretions (mucous). Cystic fibrosis patients have too much of this substance.

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Rivotril (clonazepam)

Rivotril (clonazepam)

RIVOTRIL drops and tablets are used for the treatment of epilepsy in infants, children and adults. RIVOTRIL injection is also used to treat status epilepticus (prolonged or repeated fits or seizures without any recovery between attacks). It contains the active ingredient clonazepam. RIVOTRIL belongs to a group of medicines called benzodiazepines. They are thought to work by their action on brain chemicals.

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Roaccutane (isotretinoin)

Roaccutane (isotretinoin)

ROACCUTANE is used to treat acne. ROACCUTANE belongs to a group of medicines called retinoids, which are similar to Vitamin A. ROACCUTANE contains the active ingredient isotretinoin. The retinoids work by reducing the amount of the oily substance (ie sebum) made by glands in the skin, reducing bacteria, reducing inflammation and opening clogged pores. There are many different types of medicines used to treat acne. ROACCUTANE is used for more serious cases.

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Rocaltrol (calcitriol)

Rocaltrol (calcitriol)

ROCALTROL is used to treat people with osteoporosis and to prevent osteoporosis in people taking oral corticosteroids. ROCALTROL capsules are also prescribed by doctors for the treatment of low blood calcium in patients with osteodystrophy (a form of bone disease), hypoparathyroidism (reduced function of the parathyroid glands) and rickets. ROCALTROL contains calcitriol which occurs naturally in humans and is a biologically active form of vitamin D. ROCALTROL works by improving absorption of calcium from the intestine and by stimulating growth of healthy bones.

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Rocephin (ceftriaxone)

Rocephin (ceftriaxone)

ROCEPHIN is an antibiotic used to treat infections in different parts of the body caused by bacteria. ROCEPHIN is also used to prevent infections before, during and after surgery. ROCEPHIN contains the active ingredient ceftriaxone sodium. ROCEPHIN belongs to a group of antibiotics called cephalosporins. These antibiotics work by killing the bacteria that are causing the infection or by stopping bacteria from growing. ROCEPHIN will not work against infections caused by viruses such as colds or the flu. 

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Roferon-A (interferon alfa-2 a)

Roferon-A (interferon alfa-2 a)

ROFERON-A is used in the treatment of viral infections of the liver (chronic active hepatitis B and chronic hepatitis C). ROFERON-A contains the active ingredient called interferon alfa-2a. ROFERON-A belongs to a group of medicines called interferons. ROFERON-A is a similar form of interferon to one of the interferons made naturally by the immune system as a defence against viruses and tumours.

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Tamiflu (oseltamivir)

Tamiflu (oseltamivir)

TAMIFLU is used for the treatment and prevention of influenza (an infection caused by the influenza virus). It has no effect on the common cold or other respiratory virus infections. TAMIFLU contains the active ingredient oseltamivir. TAMIFLU belongs to a group of medicines called neuraminidase inhibitors. These medicines attack the influenza virus and prevent it from spreading inside the body.

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Tarceva (erlotinib)

Tarceva (erlotinib)

TARCEVA is used for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after initial chemotherapy. It can be given soon after initial chemotherapy if the chemotherapy has worked and can also be given later on when initial chemotherapy has not worked. TARCEVA is also used in combination with gemcitabine for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. TARCEVA belongs to a group of medicines called anti-neoplastic (or anti-cancer) agents which are used to treat cancer. It prevents the activity of a protein called epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). This protein is known to be involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells. TARCEVA contains the active ingredient erlotinib.

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Toradol (ketorolac trometamol)

Toradol (ketorolac trometamol)

TORADOL relieves pain and reduces inflammation (swelling and soreness) that may occur following surgery. TORADOL belongs to a family of medicines called Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). TORADOL contains the active ingredient ketorolac trometamol.

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Valcyte (valganciclovir)

Valcyte (valganciclovir)

VALCYTE acts against cytomegalovirus or CMV (a type of herpes virus) that causes infections, mainly in people with poor immunity. VALCYTE is used to treat CMV eye infections (known as CMV retinitis) in AIDS patients which, if left untreated can cause blindness. It is also used to prevent CMV infection in patients following organ transplantation. VALCYTE prevents this virus from growing and multiplying in the body. Poor immunity can be caused by HIV/AIDS or transplant medications. VALCYTE contains the active ingredient valganciclovir.

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Valium (diazepam)

Valium (diazepam)

VALIUM is used for anxiety. Anxiety or tension associated with the normal stress of everyday life usually does not require treatment with medicines. VALIUM can also be used to relax muscles, treat trembling, confusional states, anxiety associated with alcohol withdrawal or panic attacks. VALIUM contains the active ingredient diazepam. VALIUM belongs to a group of medicines called benzodiazepines. They are thought to work by their action on brain chemicals. Benzodiazepines are not recommended as the only treatment of severe mental illnesses and should not be used alone to treat depression.

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Vesanoid (tretinoin)

Vesanoid (tretinoin)

VESANOID is given to people who have acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL). This is a disease which affects the way the myelocytes grow. Myelocytes are large cells in the bone marrow from which leucocytes (white blood cells) develop. VESANOID contains the active ingredient called tretinoin or retinoic acid. VESANOID belongs to a group of medicines called chemotherapeutic agents which works by stopping or slowing the growth of cancer-causing cells. It is specially developed to target cancer cells rather than normal, healthy cells. VESANOID is thought to work by stopping the growth of APL cells. VESANOID can be used with or without prior chemotherapy.

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Xeloda (capecitabine)

Xeloda (capecitabine)

XELODA is used to treat cancer of the colon and rectum (colorectal), breast, and stomach and food pipe (oesophagus). It may be prescribed alone or in combination with other medicines used to treat cancer, such as chemotherapy medicines. XELODA belongs to a group of medicines called anti-neoplastic agents. Within this group, XELODA belongs to a class of medicines called fluoropyrimidine analogues. The medicine contained in XELODA tablets, capecitabine, is converted by the liver and cancer cells to another medicine called 5-fluorouracil (also called 5-FU). It is 5-FU that acts to kill or stop the growth of cancer cells.

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Xenical (orlistat)

Xenical (orlistat)

XENICAL is used to treat people who are obese (BMI of 30 or greater) or overweight (BMI of 27 or greater) with other risk factors (eg. high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high blood lipid profile). XENICAL belongs to a group of medicines called lipase inhibitors. XENICAL contains the active ingredient orlistat. These medicines work by targeting the absorption of dietary fat in the body rather than suppressing appetite. XENICAL should be taken in conjunction with a well-balanced calorie-controlled diet and other appropriate measures such as exercise.

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