Health Systems Pharmacy Product News

Hylenex

Baxter International Inc (Boston, MA) has announced the commercial launch of Hylenex recombinant (hyaluronidase human injection) for use in

pediatric rehydration. An enzyme, Hylenex allows fluids to be administered subcutaneously rather than intravenously, allowing for rapid treatment initiation and delivery of fluids to pediatric patients through less invasive means. Hylenex is the first and only recombinant human hyaluronidase, and its commercial launch coincides with the cold and flu season to offer an alternative to intravenous therapy for children with dehydration. It works by increasing the permeability of the skin, thereby allowing more fluid to be readily absorbed into the blood vessels. Hylenex was developed by Halozyme Therapeutics Inc, which secured FDA approval before Baxter’s licensing of the drug. Baxter also is studying the use of Hylenex in areas other than pediatric hydration. For more information, visit www.hylenex.com.

Ondansetron

Sagent Pharmaceuticals Inc (Schaumburg, IL) recently launched ondansetron in 5% dextrose injection in premix bags. An antiemetic and selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, ondansetron is used to prevent nausea and vomiting associated with initial and repeat courses of emetogenic cancer chemotherapy, including high-dose cisplatin. It is the generic equivalent of GlaxoSmithKline’s Zofran Injection Premixed, and is offered in 32 mg per 50 mL single-dose, premix bags. A single dose is infused over 15 minutes, beginning 30 minutes before the start of emetogenic chemotherapy. The same goes for the 3-dose regimen, with subsequent doses (0.15 mg/ kg) administered 4 and 8 hours after the first one. Each 50 mL contains ondansetron 32 mg, dextrose 2500 mg, and citric acid 26 mg and sodium citrate 11.5 mg as buffers in water for injection, USP. For more information, go to www. sagentpharma.com.

LiquiDose Butterfly Labels

Medi-Dose Inc/EPS Inc (Ivyland, PA) has introduced its LiquiDose Butterfly labels for syringes, ampules, and small containers in 5 new, bright colors, aimed at calling attention to medication requiring special handling. Available in blue, red, green, yellow, and orange, the labels can be printed with a regular laser printer. Their hourglass design allows more than enough area for medication identification without covering important information on the item being labeled. The labels are designed to withstand rough use and storage, and their aggressive adhesive and sturdy “neck” design ensure that the labels will not become detached from the surface on which they are applied. When used in concert with the company’s MILT 3.0 software, the labels can be customized with bar codes, graphics, special fonts, tall man lettering, shapes, and logos. To find out more about the newly enhanced LiquiDose Butterfly Labels, visit www.medidose.com.

Fomepizole Injection

Bioniche Pharma (Lake Forest, IL) and Synerx Pharma (Newtown, PA) have announced the launch of fomepizole injection. The generic equivalent of Antizol, from Paladin Labs Inc, fomepizole injection is indicated as an antidote for ethylene glycol (such as antifreeze) or methanol poisoning, or for use when ethylene glycol or methanol ingestion is suspected, either alone or in combination with hemodialysis. For dosing of fomepizole injection, a loading dose of 15 mg/kg should be administered, followed by doses of 10 mg/kg every 12 hours for 4 doses, then 15 mg/kg every 12 hours, until ethylene glycol or methanol concentrations are undetectable or have been reduced to below 20 mg/dL, and the patient no longer exhibits symptoms and has a normal pH. Each vial of fomepizole injection contains 1.5 mL (1 g/mL) of fomepizole. It is a clear yellow liquid at room temperature with a melting point of 25°C (77°F), and it may present in a solid form at room temperature. Fomepizole is soluble in water and very soluble in ethanol, diethyl ether, and chloroform. For further information, go to www.bionichepharma.com or www.synerxpharma.com.