Effective Feb. 17, 2012, ibuprofen and its salts containing 400 mg or less per oral dosage unit when sold in package sizes exceeding 18,000 mg will move from Unscheduled status to Schedule III.
Some individuals, particularly the elderly and those who have co-morbid diseases or those with cardiovascular and gastro-intestinal risk factors may be at particular risk of adverse events from inappropriate use of oral NSAIDS. These individuals could benefit from pharmacist advice and clarification on appropriate selection and use of NSAIDs.
|
Medication |
Package size/concentration |
Schedule |
|
Ibuprofen and its salts containing 400 mg or less per oral dosage unit |
Up to 18,000 mg |
Unscheduled (no change)
|
|
Ibuprofen and its salts containing 400 mg or less per oral dosage unit |
Exceeding 18,000 mg |
Schedule III (from Unscheduled) |
|
Naproxen sodium 220 mg per oral dosage unit, in products labeled with a recommended maximum daily dose of 440 mg |
Up to 6,600 mg |
Unscheduled (no change) |
|
Naproxen sodium 220mg per oral dosage unit, in products labeled with a recommended maximum daily dose of 440 mg |
Exceeding 6,600 mg |
Schedule III (no change) |
|
Diclofenac diethylamine in preparations for topical use on the skin |
Not more than the equivalent of 1% diclofenac |
Unscheduled (no change) |
The scheduling change follows a review by the National Drug Scheduling Advisory Committee of non-prescription non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) available on the Canadian market (excluding ASA and acetaminophen). Following the review, there was consensus that potential for inappropriate use of NSAIDs exists.
For more information on scheduling, go to Practice Resources/AB drug schedules on the ACP website.
Originally published in the January 10, 2012 issue of The Link
