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Teva UK has begun replacing its existing packaging with a new design which is "clearer and easier to read". The new look is "unique, recognisable and distinctive." It "enhances safety and provides a recognisable and distinguishable pack range." One of the UK's leading generics manufacturers, Teva UK supplies more than 500 generic pharmaceutical products to retail and hospital pharmacies. The company says each product within the portfolio is distinguishable by colour, ensuring no two different packs have the same drug and strength colours and with additional product information on the side of the pack and a simplified back, it makes it even easier to identify the correct product when dispensing and supports patients when taking their medication. "Our medicines impact the lives of millions of people every day and our packaging is often the first touchpoint for our patients and our customers", said Kim Innes, general manager of Teva UK and Ireland.

Recently launched generic version of Apixaban by Teva UK is said to bring savings to the NHS drug bill while making sure patients get the medicine they need. The generic apixaban is available for the prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in adult patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF), with one or more risk factors, such as prior stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA) and treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), and prevention of recurrent DVT and PE in adults. Previously there was only a 'branded' product available, but Castleford-based Teva UK succeeded in invalidating the apixaban patent and SPC (supplementary protection certificate) in the UK High Court and so is now able to launch its own 'generic' version - which will bring savings for the NHS while making sure patients get the medicine they need. "We've always said that we stand up for the patient", said Kim Innes, General Manager of Teva UK and Ireland. "The launch of generic apixaban emphasises Teva's commitment to doing the right thing by putting patients at the heart of everything we do by giving them and the NHS access to affordable treatments." Apixaban is an anticoagulant which directly inhibits factor X (factor Xa), inhibiting thrombin formation and the development of thrombi (blood clots). For at-risk patients, such as those with, or at risk for DVT, or NVAF, the risk of stroke related to blood clots forming in the body and traveling to the brain is a serious concern. Each year, DVT affects around 1 person in every 1,000 in the UK and if left untreated, about 1 in 10 people with a DVT will develop a PE.

Teva UK has alerted the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care to the problem posed by steep energy prices. Teva's UK General Manager Kim Innes wrote to the minister seeking assurances that the distribution of medicines to patients will be safeguarded over what's likely to be a difficult winter. The problems posed by steep energy prices and the potential for power rationing is putting pharmacies under pressure from increased costs and the risk of losing power supplies as a 'non-domestic' energy user, said the company. Kim said: "In our letter to the Secretary of State we acknowledged that the government knows that medicines manufacture is strategically important and that it's a vital component in maintaining patient health." "But I wanted to make sure that the Secretary of State also realises the consequences of the energy crisis further down the supply chain - for example, the need for a pharmacy to have a fridge switched on at all times for storing cold chain products."