health-systemsPRODUCT news

Mycamine(micafunginsodium)

Astellas Pharma USInc (Deerfield, Ill) recentlylaunched Mycaminefor injection in a100-mg/vial format. TheFDA approved Mycaminein 2005 for thetreatment of patients with esophagealcandidiasis and prophylaxis of Candidainfections in patients undergoing hematopoieticstem cell transplantation. Theproduct was previously available only ina 50-mg vial. Mycamine is a member of anew class of antifungal agents, theechinocandins. The product inhibits anenzyme essential for fungal cell-wall synthesisand is fungicidal (lethal) forCandida. Mycamine can be used concomitantlywith a variety of other drugs,including the HIV protease inhibitor ritonavirand the transplant medicationscyclosporine and tacrolimus. Mycamineshould be administered by intravenousinfusion over the period of 1 hour. Morerapid infusions may result in more frequenthistamine-mediated reactions. Formore information, call 800-727-7003, orvisit www.mycamine.com.

Penetrex Self-SealingPress-In Closures

Andwin Scientific's (Addison, Ill; adivision of the Andwin Corp), PenetrexSelf-Sealing Press-In Closures ensuresafer and more accurate dosing of oralmedications. The patented self-sealingdesign prevents spills and provides anadditional layer of child safety for usewith child-resistant caps. The flexible sealallows the oral syringe to get to the lastdrop of medication while the syringe isoutside the bottle for a clear view ofdosage markings. Extra protection fromevaporation and contamination are alsoprovided by the product. The closure fitssecurely on most bottles in the statedidentification (ID) range while allowingthe bottle's original child-resistant screwcap to fit over the product. The closures'self-sealing septum allows access to thecontainer's contents using nearly anybrand oral syringe. It works by insertingthe syringe tip into the closure's seal,turning the bottle upside down, aspiratinga measured volume, turning the bottleright-side up, and removing thesyringe. The closure instantly recloses,providing a safe and clean seal. Suppliedas prepunched, nonsterile, single-use-only100-count boxes, Penetrex Self-Sealing Press-In Closures are available inthe ID range of 15.50 to 18.25 mm. Formore information, call 800-297-1220, orvisit www.dosecap.com.

Sharps Disposal Containers

EPS Inc (Ivyland, Pa) has expanded itsline to include an assorted variety ofSharps Disposal Containers. Manufacturedfrom durable, autoclavablepolypropylene, the containers weredesigned for the safe disposal of needlesand blood products. Sharps DisposalContainers are puncture-resistant andare available in 3 styles?designed forphlebotomy trays and carts, in-room usesystems, and general transportableneeds. All were constructed to alloweasy disposal of sharp products withoutallowing access to the container's contents.The product can be used throughouta medical facility or can accompanyemergency medical services personnelin the field. For more information, visitwww.medidose.com, or call 800-523-8966.

Velcade (bortezomib) forInjection

Millennium Pharmaceuticals Inc(Cambridge,Mass) recently received FDAapproval for Velcade for Injection for thetreatment of patients with mantle celllymphoma who have received at least 1prior therapy. The approval marks thefirst indication for the product for lymphomaand the first therapy to receiveFDA approval in this treatment setting.Velcade for Injection is also indicated forthe treatment of patients with multiplemyeloma who have received at least oneprior therapy. The recommended dosefor Velcade for Injection is a 1.3-mg/m²dose administered as a 3-to 5-secondbolus intravenous injection twice weeklyfor 2 weeks (days 1, 4, 8, and 11), followedby a 10-day rest period (days 12-21). For extended therapy of >8 cycles,the product may be administered on thestandard schedule or on a maintenanceschedule of once weekly for 4 weeks(days 1, 8, 15, and 22), followed by a 13-day rest period (days 23-35). Velcade forInjection is supplied as individually cartoned10-mL vials containing 3.5 mg ofbortezomib as a white to off-white cakeor powder. For more information, visitwww.millennium.com.