Safety updates for Parkinson's drug
Cabaser (cabergoline) 4mg tablets will be deleted from the available dosage range following links to fibrosis and valvulopathy in cumulative doses of the medicine.
Pfizer Australia announced yesterday that following ongoing review of clinical studies it would release new safety updates to the drug's product information which will come into effect on 1 November this year.
The manufacturer has also decided to reduce the maximum daily dose of Cabaser from 6mg per day to 3mg per day.
"It is anticipated that the reduction in the recommended maximum daily dose of Cabaser along with the current recommendations for assessment of patients prior to commencing therapy and during maintenance therapy included in the Cabaser product information, should help reduce the risk of fibrotic reactions," said product physician Dr Louise Canny.
The changes do not affect the availability of Cabaser 1mg and 2mg tablets which will continue to be available through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). Existing stock of the 4mg version will no longer be PBS reimbursed as of 1 November.
Cabaser is indicated for the treatment of Parkinson's disease.
11-Sep-2008