New Rx, OTC, and generics (August 2010)

Key Points

RX CARE

New drugs

Takeda's ACTOplus met XR is an extended-release version of the combination medication ACTOplus met (pioglitazone HCl and metformin HCl), for the treatment of type 2 diabetes as an adjunct to diet and exercise. ACTOplus met XR is available in pioglitazone/metformin XR 15 mg/1000 mg and 30 mg/1000 mg dosage strengths. ( http://www.tpna.com/877-825-3327)

Merck announced FDA approval of Dulera Inhalation Aerosol, a new fixed-dose combination asthma treatment for patients 12 years of age and older. Dulera combines an inhaled corticosteroid (mometasone furoate) with a long-acting beta2-agonist (formoterol fumarate dihydrate). ( http://www.merck.com/)

FDA has approved Abbott's redesigned FreeStyle blood glucose test strips. The new test strips use a GDH-FAD enzyme unaffected by common nonglucose sugars, minimizing the potential for interference. The test strips are compatible with all FreeStyle blood-glucose monitoring systems. ( http://www.myfreestyle.com/888-522-5226)

FDA has approved Tasigna (nilotinib) 150-mg capsules from Novartis for the treatment of adult patients with newly diagnosed Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia (Ph+ CML) in chronic phase. Tasigna is the first new therapeutic option for newly diagnosed patients since the introduction of Gleevec (imatinib mesylate) tablets, providing a major advance for patients with this blood cancer. ( http://www.us.novartis.com/)