health-systems PRODUCT news

DUPLEX Drug Delivery System

B. Braun Medical Inc (Bethlehem, Pa) has received FDA approval for the antibiotic CeFOXItin for injection in the DUPLEX Drug Delivery System. The system is now the only ready-to-use intravenous (IV) drug delivery system available for CeFOXItin therapy in the United States. The DUPLEX Drug Delivery System is designed to alleviate pharmacist and caregiver workload while protecting patients from potential medication errors. The system helps clinicians comply with Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations and United States Pharmacopeia <797> Guidelines that specify that medicines should be dispensed in their "most ready-to-use form." The product is also equipped with a unique bar-code system that references the final admixture and can be used to reduce medication errors, automate patient charting, track inventory, and facilitate reimbursement tracking. The DUPLEX Drug Delivery System consists of a prefilled, latex-and PVC/DEHPfree IV bag containing accurate doses of the drug and diluent in different compartments, separated by a quick-release seal. There are no vials to attach or activate, and there is no chance of delivering the diluent without the drug. Prior to activation, it can be stored at room temperature for up to 18 months and does not require a thawing process. For more information, visit www.bbraunusa.com, or call 800-854-6851.

Press-In Bottle Adapter

EPS Inc (Ivyland, Pa) recently introduced the 20-mm EPS Press-In Bottle Adapter. The product allows health care professionals to easily dispense liquids from stock bottles into oral syringes. Professionals just need to press the adapter into the bottle's opening and attach the oral syringe to the adapter's port. Then, withdraw the dose of medication from the bottle. The EPS Press-In Bottle Adapter is also available in 24-, 28-, and 33-mm sizes. Packaged in bags of 25, the product fits most TampAlerT and EPS Prescription Bottles and can be used with EPS's line of oral syringes. For information, call 800-523-8966, or visit www.medidose.com.

Texium

Cardinal Health Inc (San Diego, Calif) recently received FDA approval to market Texium closed male Luer-Lok, a new technology that, when partnered with a SmartSite needle-free valve, will help health care professionals safely handle hazardous drugs such as chemotherapy agents. The product includes the following features: no-drip-tip technology to help prevent drips, spillage, and surface contamination; lock-and-go design that provides a fast and easy connection to the SmartSite needle-free valve to achieve a closed system; a passive safety system that closes upon disconnection to help prevent exposure and protect against free-flow; and an automatic safety lock, which provides for safe transport of hazardous drugs when attached to a syringe. For more information, visit www.cardinalhealth.com.

Vaprisol (conivaptan hydrochloride injection)

Astellas Pharma US Inc (Deerfield, Ill) recently launched Vaprisol, an arginine vasopressin receptor antagonist for the intravenous (IV) treatment of euvolemic hyponatremia in hospitalized patients. Vaprisol is administered as a 20-mg IV loading dose followed by 20 mg administered as a continuous infusion over 24 hours. Following the initial day of treatment, the product is to be administered for an additional 1 to 3 days as a continuous infusion of 20 mg/day. If serum sodium does not rise at the desired rate, Vaprisol may be titrated upward to a daily dose of 40 mg, again administered in a continuous infusion. For more information, visit www.astellas.com/us, or call 800-888-7704.

Erratum: In the May 2006 issue of Pharmacy Times, on the Health-Systems Product News page (p. 59), the description on Acetadote (acetylcysteine) Injection should have stated: "The loading dose (150 mg/kg) administration for adult and pediatric patients also has been extended to 60 minutes, making the total recommended treatment time 21 hours."