quinine withdraw from market

[jd3]

I have been informed by my pharmacist that quinine is to be withdrawn because of serious side efffects for some people. It will be continued from existing stocks until no later than June. Medicare has ceased covereage now.

[mrsdoubtfyre]

This is the second time a quinine order has been attempted by the FDA.

Notice: Quinine Sulfate for the Treatment of Malaria Remains Available in the United States

On December 11, 2006, the Food and Drug Administration issued an order* to cease U.S. manufacturing of unapproved products containing quinine, including quinine sulfate and any other salt of quinine on or after February 13, 2007, and to cease shipping such products interstate on or after June 13, 2007. After these dates only FDA-approved quinine products may be manufactured and shipped interstate. However, there may continue to be some of these quinine products on pharmacy shelves until the expiration dates of these products are reached.

This action does not affect quinine drug products marketed with FDA approval. FDA has approved one quinine drug product* for the treatment of malaria, which is manufactured by Mutual Pharmaceutical Company, Inc. (Mutual), of Philadelphia, PA. It contains quinine sulfate as the active ingredient without any additional active ingredients in 324 mg capsules and is sold under the trade name Qualaquin (quinine sulfate) with the following NDC number: 13310-153-07. At this time, there is no evidence of any shortages or limited availability of quinine. If a pharmacy has difficulty obtaining Qualaquin, they may contact Mutual at 215-697-1900.

Additional details can be found on the FDA website at:
http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/unapproved_drugs/quinineQA.pdf.* (30 KB/5 pages)

This website goes into more detail:
http://**********cast.com/FederalRegistrar/Yr2006/Dec2006/121106/Quinine121506.htm

[bigdrig840]

oh c**p now my gin in tonics wont be sooo good. that quinine makes it taste bitter and dry and thats teh way i like it.

[mrsdoubtfyre]

This does not affect tonic water content. That is a very very small dose.
Not comparable to those used for medical reasons.

[Cry Tears]

I was given this years ago...think for Lupus...or whatever they thought I had. I've yet to have proper diagnosis for my muscle weakness, PN, pain and lots more stuff...sigh....
Anyway...this drug had some adverse effect on me, but I've long forgotten what...I still have 90 day supply in my shelf...I never throw anything out! sigh!
Thanks for the info...wonder what "poison" they remove next?
Thanks, cheryl