New Product Newswire

NEW PRODUCT NEWSWIRE

Rx

NEW INDICATION

Berlex Laboratories' Climara 0.025 mg/day has been cleared for treating menopausal symptoms and the prevention of osteoporosis. The Montville, N.J., firm, (973) 487-2592, claims this dosage form of Climara offers the lowest dose of estrogen clinically proven to combat these two conditions. Climara is also approved for relieving vulvar and vaginal atrophy associated with menopause. The patch, currently available in four dosage strengths, delivers 17-beta estradiol directly through the skin into the bloodstream for seven days.

NEW GENERICS

Able Laboratories has started shipping methylphenidate tablets, the generic form of Novartis' Ritalin, prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Able Laboratories, Cincinnati, (888) 826-ABLE, said the drug is available in 5-mg, 10-mg, and 20-mg strengths.

Alpharma U.S. Pharmaceuticals Division has unwrapped fluocinonide cream 0.05% (emulsified base), the generic version of Medicis' Lidex-E, to relieve corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses. The topical product is available in 15-gm, 30-gm, and 60-gm tubes from the Baltimore firm, (800) 638-9096 ... Alpharma will also make available prednisolone syrup, USP, 15 mg/5 ml, which is AB-rated to Muro Pharmaceutical's Prelone Syrup, indicated for a variety of conditions, including endocrine, respiratory, and rheumatic disorders; dermatologic, gastrointestinal, and ophthalmic diseases; and allergic and edematous states. Alpharma picked up the product as part of eight ANDAs it acquired from UDL Laboratories. Alpharma's syrup will come in both 8-oz. and 16-oz. bottle sizes.

American Pharmaceutical Partners (APP) has unveiled famotidine injection, the generic form of Merck's Pepcid Injection. The Los Angeles firm said the drug is used in some hospitalized patients with pathological hypersecretory conditions or intractable ulcers ... Also new at APP is haloperidol lactate injection, the generic equivalent of Ortho-McNeil's Haldol. The drug is used to manage psychotic disorders ... APP has also launched two other products: hydralazine hydrochloride injection, USP, and floxuridine for injection, USP. The former is used to manage hypertension; the latter is for treating gastrointestinal adenocarcinoma metastatic to the liver. For more information on these four APP products, call (847) 330-1389.

Three companies have received approval for buspirone hydrochloride tablets, the generic equivalent of Bristol-Myers Squibb's BuSpar, for the management of anxiety disorders. They are Mylan Laboratories, Pittsburgh, (800) RxMylan; Par Pharmaceutical, Spring Valley, N.Y., (845) 425-7100; and Watson Pharmaceuticals, Corona, Calif., (909) 270-1400. Watson's approvals are for 5 mg and 10 mg, Par is offering 7.5 mg, and Mylan's version is 15 mg in strength.

Gensia Sicor Pharmaceuticals, a wholly owned subsidiary of Sicor Inc., Irvine, Calif., (949) 455-4879, is launching levocarnitine injection. This generic form of Sigma-Tau Pharmaceuticals' Carnitor Injection is designed for the acute and chronic treatment of secondary carnitine deficiency.

From TEVA USA, North Wales, Pa., (888) TEVA-USA, comes Prenatal Optima Advance Prenatal Vitamins. Tailored for women during pregnancy and lactation, the multivitamin/multimineral tablet is equivalent to Sanofi-Synthelabo's Prenate Advance.

OTC

Allergan's no-rub COMPLETE Multi-Purpose Solution has been approved for cleaning and disinfecting soft contact lenses. After wear, lenses are rinsed, then soaked in fresh solution for six hours or longer. Rinsing with fresh solution then prepares the lenses for wear. New instructions explaining the improved convenience are provided in the packaging, said the Irvine, Calif., firm, (714) 246-6847.

Bristol-Myers Squibb has taken the wraps off its new Excedrin Tension Headache Cooling Pads. These nonmedicated pads, which contain water-based gel, use evaporation to relieve sufferers of discomfort. The product can be found in the analgesic or first aid aisle. Each package, which carries a suggested retail price of $7.99, contains seven pads in different sizes for the forehead, back of neck, and temple/sinus. For more information, call the New York firm at (800) 468-7746.

Rembrandt Oral Care Products is offering Rembrandt Plus Peroxide Gel. The Los Angeles firm, (800) 548-3663, claims the product fights cavities and gum disease, keeps breath fresh, and whitens teeth. The suggested retail price for the 2.6-oz tube is $6.99.

Stri-Dex, a registered trademark of Blistex Inc., Oak Brook, Ill., (312) 372-7090, is making a splash with new Body Focus, a medicated shower gel designed to replace ordinary acne cleansers and body washes. It contains, in addition to the acne-fighter salicylic acid, gentle cleansers and oil-free moisturizers. The 10-oz. package, geared especially toward teens, retails between $4.79 and $5.49.

HealthAsure Inc. is readying a slew of new OTCs. The Westlake Village, Calif., firm said it has acquired the assets of BreathAsure Inc. and will be adding Mint Asure, BreathAsure Dental Gum, and OraBlast breath care products to its line of Nature's Pride vitamins. In addition, the company is poised to roll out Bear Essentials gummi bear vitamins for kids, a new line of 16 supplements for women, and a line of joint maintenance supplements called Arthriteis. For information, call (954) 233-3300.

Home Health Care

Abbott Laboratories is marketing its MediSense Sof-Tact, a glucose monitoring system, through mail order directly to patients. The Abbott Park, Ill., firm claims the monitor provides painless, one-step testing on parts of the body having fewer nerve endings, such as the forearm. To conduct a test, users load a test strip and lancet inside the monitor, place Sof-Tact on the forearm or other site, and press the start button. The device automatically lances the skin, draws the blood sample, and provides a glucose reading in 20 seconds. The device costs $199, and a box of 50 strips sells for $40. Abbott said the product will be available through pharmacies shortly. For information, call (866) SOF-TACT.

For carpal tunnel relief, United Pacific, Columbia, S.C., (800) 706-1520, is introducing its new Thermoskin "U" Rest Wrist Wrap with support pad. Made with three layers, the wrap is secured with a strap and provides a thick pad to reduce pain while the hand is resting.

 

Judy Chi. New Product Newswire. Drug Topics 2001;9:87.