Rx Note

Introduction Each insulin injection device has its own advantages and drawbacks. Insulin Syringes To be used with insulin vials. Reusable insulin pens Not all insulin cartridges can be used in all insulin pens, but they are brand specific. e.g. NovoPen, INSUPen. Pre-filled insulin pens Disposable once finished, but more costly. Insulin Syringes Insulin syringes are available by prescription in 3 sizes: 0.3 ml, 0.5 ml and 1 ml. Choose a syringe based on the dose (units) of insulin you require. A 6 mm and 8 mm needle is recommended over a 12.7 mm needle due to a higher risk of intramuscular injection. NovoPen 3, NovoPen 4, NovoPen 5 and NovoPen 6 Although NovoPen 4 has been phased out and replaced by NovoPen 5 in the UK, NovoPen 4 is still marketed in Malaysia. NovoPen 5 offers an additional feature of a digital display that shows the dose memory. Time elapsed: Each segment represents an hour since the last injection. Last dose volume: Records the last insulin dose in units. On ...

Introduction Drug expiration dates reflect the time period during which the product is known to remain stable when it is stored according to its labelled storage conditions. Nonetheless, at work, many patients may ask you, how long more you can keep using a solution or cream once opened. Or sometimes, is it still fine to keep using an expired medication? The old adage that "all good things come to an end" applies this situation very well. Medications last longer (up to expiry date) when they are stored unopened. Using expired medications may cause harm or it has lost its effectiveness over time. Antibiotic Suspension Please refer to products leaflet since the recommendation is brand specific. Amoxicillin 200 mg and Clavulanate 28 mg per 5 ml Syrup Augmentin - The dry powder should be stored in unopened containers in a dry place at below 25°C. Reconstituted suspension should be stored in a refrigerator (2-8°C) and used within 7 days. Clamovid BID - Refrigerate and use withi...

Introduction Unlike outpatient pharmacies, inpatient pharmacies also handle injectable medications. Ampoules are typically single-use containers; once opened, they cannot be resealed, and any remaining medication must be discarded. In contrast, reconstituted powdered drugs can sometimes be stored for a limited time, depending on their chemical and physical stability, which varies between brands. To reduce costs, a reconstituted vial is ideally used for multiple doses. For example, a 1 g vial could provide three 300 mg doses. Below are stability data for common IV vial preparations, including those that are reconstituted. Unless stated otherwise, the stability information refers to the product after reconstitution. For simplicity, this discussion excludes ampoule injections and the stability of reconstituted injections after dilution in various diluents (e.g., normal saline or 5% dextrose). Antimicrobials Acyclovir 250 mg Injection Vacrax - Discard any unused reconstituted solution. Wh...