Florinef® to restrict patients ability to live a normal life!

Currently Florinef® only has to be stored in an air-tight container at room temperature but the recent changes will require the tablets to be kept refrigerated. Whilst this seems a small inconvenience in the home, it will have a much wider impact on those wishing to live ‘normal’ lives away from it.

So why have the tablets changed? “There have been minor changes in the formulation due to a change in the manufacturing site” said BMS, “However there is no change to the effectiveness of the Florinef tablets.

That’s reassuring but will the changes affect how we store the tablets? Florinef tablets should be stored in a refrigerator between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius. They should not be frozen or kept at room temperature or high temperatures on the shelf.”

BMS also said that they are working on providing information on how long Florinef can be stored at room temperature. This information will be crucial when it comes to planning any activities away from the safety of the refrigerator.

“Is there any other changes we should know about? The colour of Florinef tablets has changed from pink to WHITE. The tablets are round in shape. They are scored on one side and have the markings ‘SQUIBB’ and ‘429’ on the other side” said BMS.

“It worries me that they are now not too dissimilar to the current hydrocortisone / corlan / prednisolone tablets, it’ll mean that patients and carers will need to be even more careful when administering medication” said Sue.

She went on to say “It does not really explain the need to change the formula, so I will be questioning BMS further as I am not happy that this change was really necessary. I believe it has the potential to cause problems for patients!”

BMS have said that if you have any concerns about your medication, please consult your doctor or pharmacist. You may also contact Bristol-Myers Squibb Medical Information on 01895 52 3740 or medical.information@bms.com if you have further questions.