New Product Newswire

NEW PRODUCT NEWSWIRE

Rx

NEW DRUGS

From Bioglan Pharma, Malvern, Pa., (888) 246-4526, comes Adoxa (doxycy-cline monohydrate) tablets. Indicated for the adjunctive treatment of severe acne, this second-generation tetracycline tablet is reportedly easier for the patient to swallow, as it is 35% smaller than previously available doxycycline capsules. The drug works by suppressing bacteria in the skin, reducing sebum production, and exfoliating dead skin cells to promote new cell growth. It is available in 50- and 100-mg film-coated tablets.

Everett Laboratories has released two new products. Strovite Advance caplets provide an iron-free nutritional supplement that contains mixed carotenoids and therapeutic levels of lutein to support eye health. Tussafed-EX drops, a pediatric formula that acts as an antitussive, decongestant, and expectorant, are claimed to be the only prescription antihistamine-free treatment in a pediatric dropper. Everett is based in West Orange, N.J., and can be contacted at (973) 324-0200.

NEW FORMULATIONS

The FDA has approved Valtrex (valacyclovir HCl) caplets for a shorter course of therapy. Patients can now effectively treat recurrent episodes of genital herpes in three days, as opposed to the standard five-day treatment, by taking one 500-mg caplet twice a day for three days instead of one 500-mg caplet twice a day for five days. Valtrex, a product of GlaxoSmithKline, Research Triangle Park, N.C., (800) 825-5249, disrupts the process by which the herpes virus reproduces and spreads to other cells in the body.

NEW GENERICS

Able Laboratories, South Plainfield, N.J., (908) 754-2253, has received FDA approval to market three generic drugs: prochlorperazine, a generic formulation of GlaxoSmithKline's antinausea suppository Compazine, is available in 2.5-mg, 5-mg, and 25-mg strengths; propoxyphene/acetaminophen is a generic version of Lilly's painkiller Darvocet-N; and butalbital, acetaminophen, caffeine tablets USP, 50 mg/325 mg/40 mg, which treat tension and muscle contraction headaches, are the generic equivalent of Fioricet tablets, from Novartis.

Sorine tablets (sotalol HCl), released by Upsher-Smith Laboratories, Plymouth, Minn., offer an AB-rated alternative to Berlex Laboratories' Betapace, indicated for life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias. Sorine tablets are available in 100-count bottles and 100-count unit-dose cartons in four strengths—80 mg, 120 mg, 160 mg, and 240 mg—for oral administration. Upsher-Smith can be reached at (800) 654-2299.

Two new generic Rx products have been introduced by Glades Pharmaceuticals, Suwanee, Ga., (888) 445-2337. Hydrocortisone Lotion USP, 2.5%, now available in a 4-oz. bottle, provides a generic equivalent to Nutracort, by Healthpoint Ltd. It is used to relieve inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses. Aluminum chloride (hexahydrate) 20%, the generic equivalent of Person & Covey's Drysol, is used as an aid in the management of hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating. It is available in 35-, 37.5-, and 60-cc bottles.

Megestrol oral suspension, indicated for the treatment of anorexia, cachexia, or an unexplained significant weight loss in patients with a diagnosis of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), is being released by Par Pharmaceutical, Spring Valley, N.Y., (845) 425-7100. The FDA has granted Par exclusivity for megestrol oral suspension, the generic equivalent of Bristol-Myers Squibb's Megace, until mid-January 2002.

Mylan Laboratories has received FDA approval for paclitaxel injection, 6 mg/ml, the generic version of Bristol-Myers Squibb's Taxol. Paclitaxel injection, indicated for the treatment of advanced carcinoma of the ovary and breast cancer, will be packaged in 30 mg/5 ml, 100 mg/ 16.7 ml, and 300 mg/50 ml multiple-dose vials. Based in Pittsburgh, Mylan can be contacted at (412) 232-0100.

NEW DEVICE

The Aeroneb Portable Nebulizer, a simple, compact, and silent device for use in the home, is now available from AeroGen Inc., (866) 423-7643. The Aeroneb System provides effective drug delivery for patients of all ages who suffer from respiratory disorders such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cystic fibrosis.

OTC

Cholestin with Policosanol is a new formulation now available from Pharmanex. Policosanol, an all-natural ingredient extracted from honeybee wax, helps to maintain cholesterol levels. Once-a-day dosing offers easily dissolved softgel delivery. Pharmanex is based in Provo, Utah, and can be reached at (888) 742-7626.

Pure Lip Remedy with zinc and Pure Lip Prevention with zinc, both of which help combat cold sores, are now available from Los Angeles-based Pure Lip Inc., (310) 442-9927. The products provide a two-pronged approach: acute treatment of cold sores and daily maintenance for lips prone to cold sores.

To fight memory loss, Nutramax Laboratories has introduced Senior Moment. A dietary supplement, Senior Moment supplies specific nutrients the brain requires for optimal memory functions. Nutramax, (410) 902-5032, is based in Edgewood, Md.

Preventium, a dietary supplement that enhances the body's ability to lower total serum cholesterol levels, LDL, and VLDL cholesterol levels, is now available. Introduced by Glucona America, Janesville, Wis., (888) GLUCONA, Preventium is a patented form of potassium hydrogen d-glucarate, found naturally in the body and in certain vegetables and fruits. It is supplied as a single-ingredient supplement, or it can be incorporated into a multi-ingredient formula with other compatible nutrients.

SleepyNite, from AlphaRx Inc., is a controlled-release dietary supplement to help promote a restful and rejuvenating night's sleep. Containing melatonin and herbal ingredients, SleepyNite induces sleep rapidly and then maintains sleep through releasing the herbal ingredients for six hours thereafter. AlphaRx, based in Richmond Hill, Ontario, can be contacted at (905) 762-0745.

Available from Warner-Lambert Consumer Group, a division of Pfizer Inc., Morris Plains, N.J., (800) 223-0182, are Cool Mint Listerine PocketPaks. The oral care strips, made of translucent, ultra-thin film that dissolve on the tongue, are designed to kill germs instantly for a clean mouth feeling.

Home Health Care

The Elite Fine 31-gauge insulin syringe is being introduced for diabetics by RxElite, San Antonio, (866) 651-1070. This shorter, sharper needle is made of surgical-grade steel and is lubricated for smooth and gentle penetration.

The Ableware Wheelchair Shampoo Rinse Tray attaches to wheelchair handles with screw clamps to allow for easy shampooing, ear irrigation, or scalp treatment of a wheelchair-bound person. Introduced by Maddak Inc., Pequannock, N.J., (973) 628-7600, the tray provides a curved neck rest and channels the water into the sink to keep the floor dry. Also available from Maddak is the Ableware Deluxe Flexible Sock and Stocking Aid, to help those with back problems or limited hand function. Also available from Maddak is the Ableware No-Tip Weighted Base Cup, a two-handled pediatric drinking cup that will upright itself from any position. The cup has a capacity of 6.5 oz.

New from Proctor & Gamble is ThermaCare, an air-activated disposable wrap that delivers low-level, consistent therapeutic heat for up to eight hours. ThermaCare provides temporary relief of minor muscle aches and pains by relaxing and restoring tight muscles and increasing circulation to help wash the pain away. Proctor & Gamble, (800) 488-7288, is based in Cincinnati.

Abbott's MediSense Products offers a new blood glucose monitoring test strip. The strips incorporate a three-electrode design, developed to act as a trigger to start the glucose test only after a sufficient amount of blood has been collected. Results are available within 20 seconds. The strips can be used with MediSense's Precision Xtra and Optium glucose meters. The Abbott Park, Ill., firm said the product represents the fifth generation of strip technology, offering patients convenience as well as greater accuracy in test results. The strips are packaged in 50 and 100 counts. For information, call (800) 527-3339.

Lasette Plus is a handheld device that allows diabetic patients to test their glucose levels using a laser system rather than needles or lancets. According to the maker, Cell Robotics International, the laser system is virtually painless, thereby encouraging patients to test themselves more frequently. Among the enhancements is the addition of a plastic shield to protect the laser from contamination. For information, call the Albuquerque, N.M., firm at (800) 846-0590.

Off the launchpad from AccuTech, Vista, Calif., is Cholesterol Manager, combining CholesTrak, a noninstrumented, quantitative, and disposable home test kit for measuring cholesterol levels, and Total-Lo, a dietary supplement made from plant stanols that can reduce total cholesterol by as much as 10% and LDL by 14% in 30 days. To find out more about this cholesterol-management product, call (800) 749-9910.

Cooke Pharma, Silver Spring, Md., (301) 608-9292, has introduced a reformulated HeartBar, improving on the original with enhanced taste and a 25% reduction in calories. To be used under the supervision of a physician, the HeartBar is a medical food that improves coronary and peripheral blood flow, increases treadmill exercise performance, and reduces episodes of angina in individuals with cardiovascular disease. In addition to the HeartBar, Cooke Pharma also released HeartBar Orange Drink, which offers the same cardiovascular benefit as one HeartBar.

 

Daniel Kate. New Product Newswire. Drug Topics 2001;16:47.