New Product Newswire

NEW PRODUCT NEWSWIRE

Rx

NEW DRUGS

From Dermik Laboratories, Berwyn, Pa., (484) 595-2710, comes a new combination prescription for acne. Approved by the FDA for marketing in the United States is BenzaClin (clindamycin 1%, benzoyl peroxide 5% gel). Clindamycin is a widely prescribed topical antibiotic; benzoyl peroxide is a topical antimicrobial in a gel formulation for acne. Clindamycin acts to destroy acne-causing bacteria on the skin, while benzoyl peroxide dries the skin and helps prevent the growth of bacteria.

NuLev (hyoscyamine sulfate) orally disintegrating tablets 0.125 mg are now available from Schwarz Pharma, Mequon, Wis., (800) 558-5114, as adjunctive therapy for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome. NuLev is formulated using a patented fast-dissolve oral dosage system designed both to address the difficulty of swallowing traditional tablets and to improve taste acceptance. The mint-flavored tablets disintegrate within seconds after being placed on the tongue and can be taken with or without water. The product inhibits gastrointestinal propulsive motility and decreases gastric acid secretion.

Cutis Pharma, Beverly, Mass., (978) 867-1010, has developed and is making available a range of unit-of-use kits for compounding pharmaceuticals under the brand name FIRST. Each kit is prepackaged with all the required ingredients (preweighed and premeasured). The stirrer for the final mixing and the dispensing container are also included. In some cases, emulsifiers, preservatives, and antioxidants have been added for better uniformity and longer shelf-life. Regarding reimbursement, pharmacists should note that each kit will have only one NDC number, enabling them to bill the cost for the entire kit rather than having to bill for each component separately. The first two kits available are 10% Hydrocortisone Topical Gel and 2% Testosterone in White Petrolatum. They will be sold and marketed by ThePharmaNetwork.Com, (860) 829-1407.

NEW PRESENTATION

Serono Inc., Norwell, Mass., has been granted marketing authorization from the FDA for a new multi-dose presentation of Gonal-F (follitropin alfa for injection), a gonadotropin indicated for the treatment of infertility in women and men. Gonal-F Multi-Dose is used to stimulate ovulation in women undergoing infertility treatment. It will also be used to stimulate sperm production in men with a rare form of infertility. Gonal-F Multi-Dose allows for flexible dosing and a one-step drug preparation process that produces a liquid for use over several days of treatment. Furthermore, Gonal-F can be injected more quickly and comfortably because of its reduced drug volume per injection. For further information, call (888) 275-7376.

OTC

Combe Inc., White Plains, N.Y., (914) 694-5454, is marking the 25th anniversary of its Vagisil feminine care product line with a new product offering. Vagisil Cleansing Foam is a soap-free formula for safely and gently cleaning away feminine moisture, wetness, and odor without the need to rinse. It is packaged in a portable 1.6-oz. slim pump and is available in a regular fresh, clean scent, or in a hypoallergenic fragrance-free formula.

GlaxoSmithKline, Pittsburgh, (412) 928-1000, recently made RemiFemin Menopause available in the United States. This herbal supplement, developed and marketed internationally by Schaper & Brummer GmbH of Germany, has been clinically shown to reduce the symptoms of menopause. The product has been used in Germany and other countries for more than 40 years. RemiFemin contains an extract of black cohosh designed to manage the physical and emotional symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes, ir-ritability, night sweats, mood swings, and related occasional sleeplessness.

A new heart-healthy formulation of Konsyl Easy Mix all-natural fiber supplement is now available from Konsyl Pharmaceuticals, Fort Worth, (847) 382-7404. The new formulation features a smoother texture and contains nearly twice the amount of dietary fiber per teaspoon as other supplements. One teaspoon of Konsyl Easy Mix contains four grams of soluble fiber from six grams of psyllium and, taken twice a day, it supplies the amount of soluble fiber necessary to help reduce cholesterol. Flavor-free, it contains only four calories per dose and can be mixed with a variety of juices or other liquids. It contains no sugar, chemical stimulants, or artificial sweeteners. It is also low in sodium.

New from Rembrandt Oral Care Products, a division of Santa Maria, Calif.-based Den-Mat Corp., (800) 548-3663, is a toothpaste formulated to tackle such tough stains as those caused by coffee, tea, red wine, and smoking. The mint-flavored Rembrandt Intense Stain Removal Toothpaste with Alumisil contains extra-strength Citroxain, a whitening agent; Alumisil, a tooth-polishing agent with vitamin E; calcium; and fluoride to help whiten teeth and improve the overall health of teeth and gums.

Two new nutritional supplements offering all-natural options for enhancing fertility are now available from The Daily Wellness Co., Mountain View, Calif., (650) 529-9292. FertilityBlend for Women and FertilityBlend for Men are designed to promote fertility by improving reproductive health. Ingredients in the women's formulation include chasteberry, to encourage ovulation frequency; green tea; vitamin E; selenium; L-arginine, an amino acid; vitamins B₆, and B₁₂; folic acid; iron; magnesium; and zinc. The men's formulation contains L-carnitine, ferulic acid, vitamins C and E, CoEnzyme Q10, selenium, zinc, folic acid, and vitamins B₆ and B₁₂. For further information, contact (650) 529-9292.

Home Health Care

Three new sports braces, all made with Polartec Power Stretch-Rx, are being offered by Kendall-Futuro Co., a part of Beiersdorf, Wilton, Conn., (800) 233-2340. The breathable fabric is designed to help keep joints stable, warm, and dry. Futuro Sport Knee Support provides a stable yet flexible joint support that conforms to the knee. Futuro Sport Ankle Support comes in a figure-eight design that provides firm, evenly distributed support. Futuro Sport Elbow Support offers flexible stability that aids in rehabilitation of stressed or injured elbows. All of the braces are designed to reduce moisture, which also helps decrease odor and skin sensitivities. Each support is available in small, medium, and large sizes.

Ralph Thurlow. New Product Newswire.

Drug Topics

2001;7:81.