Rx Product News (December 2019)

Lasmiditan (Reyvow)

Manufactured by: Eli Lilly and Company

Indication: The FDA has approved lasmiditan for the treatment of acute (active but short-term) migraine with or without aura in adults. It is not indicated for the preventive treatment of migraine. Lasmiditan’s effectiveness was established in 2 trials, both of which found that the percentage of patients whose symptoms resolved 2 hours after treatment was significantly greater for patients receiving lasmiditan versus placebo. Commonly reported adverse effects included dizziness, fatigue, paresthesia, and sedation. Eli Lilly noted a potential for abuse of the drug, as with other central nervous system medications.

For more information: lilly.com

Benralizumab (Fasenra)

Manufactured by: AstraZeneca

Indication: The prefilled autoinjector benralizumab has received approval for the treatment of patients with severe eosinophilic asthma. It is the only respiratory biologic that can be given every 8 weeks after the initial loading-dose period and administered at home or in a doctor’s office. The drug works by attracting immune cells to remove excess eosinophils, which can be a key cause of asthma. Possible adverse effects include allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis; breathing problems; dizziness; fainting; and swelling of the face, mouth, or tongue. It is approved for use with other asthma medications in patients 12 years and older.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

For more information: fasenra.com

Lamivudine and Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate Tablets (Temixys)

Manufactured by: Celltrion

Indication: Celltrion has launched 300-mg lamivudine and 300-mg tenofovir disoproxil fumarate tablets, indicated as a single-tablet regimen to treat HIV in combination with other antiretroviral agents. The drug includes a black box warning for severe acute exacerbations of hepatitis B (HBV), which have been reported in patients who are coinfected with HBV and HIV

and have discontinued lamivudine or tenofovir disoproxil fumarate. Common adverse reactions include depression, diarrhea, headache, pain, and rash.

For more information: celltrionhealthcare.com

Cyclosporine Ophthalmic Solution (Cequa), 0.09%

Manufactured by: Sun Pharma

Indication: Using nanomicellar technology, cyclosporine ophthalmic solution by Sun Pharmaceutical offers the highest concentration of cyclosporine for ophthalmic use approved by the FDA. The solution is indicated to increase tear production in patients with keratoconjunctivitis sicca, which affects more than 16 million people. The nanomicellar technology helps improve the bioavailability and physicochemical stability of cyclosporine, resulting in improved ocular tissue penetration. The most common adverse reactions are pain on instillation of the eye drops and conjunctival hyperemia.

For more information: cequapro.com