New Product Newswire

NEW PRODUCT NEWSWIRE

Rx

NEW DRUGS

Approved in April, Celltech Pharmaceuticals' Metadate CD (methylpheni-date HCl, USP) Extended Release Capsules are now available. The 20-mg, biphasic, once-daily formulation of methylphenidate uses Eurand's Diffucaps oral drug delivery technology to provide children with school day-long control of their attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms. The unique delivery system allows 30% of the dose to be released rapidly, while 70% is continuously released. Celltech, formerly Medeva, is headquartered in the United Kingdom but can be reached domestically at (800) 234-5535.

King Pharmaceuticals, Bristol, Tenn., has received clearance for Levoxyl (levothyroxine sodium tablets, USP). The drug is a synthetic hormone used to treat hypothyroidism and suppression of thyroid-stimulating hormone. King's customer service number is (800) 776-3637.

NEW DEVICE

Novo Nordisk Pharma-ceuticals' NordiPenMate auto-insertion device is out of the gate. The automatic needle-insertion device helps reduce pain perception in young patients who administer the growth hormone Norditropin cartridge (somatropin [rDNA origin] injection) with NordiPen delivery system. For information, call the Princeton, N.J., firm at (800) 727-6500.

NEW FORMULATIONS

Novartis Pharmaceuticals' Trileptal (oxcarbazepine), which has been available as a tablet since February 2000, now comes in an oral suspension as well. The East Hanover, N.J., firm explained that the liquid formulation is for patients with epilepsy who cannot swallow tablets. The oral suspension has a lemon flavoring and can be mixed in a small glass of water or swallowed directly from the oral syringe provided with each bottle. For information on the seizure-control drug, call (877) TRILEPTAL.

Migraine-prone patients have a new drug option. It's Zomig-ZMT (zolmitriptan), a 2.5-mg orally dis-integrating tablet from AstraZeneca. The effervescent, orange-flavored medication dissolves on the tongue without the need for additional liquids. The Wilmington, Del., firm cautions, however, that the drug should not be used by patients with certain types of heart disease or uncontrolled high blood pressure. For more information, call (800) 456-3669.

NEW GENERICS

Barr Laboratories has launched Nortrel 1/35 in a 21- and a 28-day regimen and Nortrel 0.5/35 in a 28-day regimen. The oral contraceptives are generic equivalents of Ortho-McNeil's Ortho-Novum 1/35 Tablets and Modicon-28 Tablets. Ortho-Novum 1/35 contains 1 mg of norethindrone and 0.035 mg of ethinyl estradiol; Modicon-28 holds 0.5 mg of norethindrone and 0.035 mg of ethinyl estradiol. For information on the generic versions, contact the Pomona, N.Y., firm at (800) BARRLAB.

Taro Pharmaceuticals has rolled out clotrimazole/betamethasone dipropionate cream USP (C/B cream). The topical product is bioequivalent to Schering-Plough's Lotrisone Cream, which is a combination antifungal/corticosteroid for treating a variety of dermatological conditions. The Hawthorne, N.Y., firm can be reached at (800) 544-1449.

The FDA has cleared Lannett Co.'s primidone tablets USP, 50 mg, for the control of epileptic seizures. The drug is the generic version of Elan's Mysoline. To reach the Philadelphia company, call (215) 333-9000.

Apotex has received tentative approval for two products. They are paroxetine, the generic equivalent of GlaxoSmithKline's antidepressant Paxil, and divalproex sodium delayed-release tablets, the generic version of Abbott Laboratories' Depakote. Depakote is indicated for treating manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder, for controlling seizures in patients with epilepsy, and for prophylaxis of migraine headaches. Apotex's paroxetine hydrochloride tablets will come in 10-, 20-, 30-, and 40-mg strength, while its divalproex sodium tablets will be offered in 125, 250, and 500 mg. Apotex is based in Weston, Fla.

A tentative approval has also been issued for Alpharma's fluoxetine HCl oral solution, 20 mg/5ml, which is generically equivalent to Eli Lilly's Prozac. To be packaged in a 120-ml bottle, the antidepressant will be marketed by Alpharma U.S. Pharmaceuticals Division, Baltimore, (800) 638-9096.

OTC

St. Joseph 81-mg Aspirin for adults is being relaunched by McNeil Consumer Healthcare. The low-dose aspirin is part of a doctor-recommended treatment regimen to help reduce the risk of a second heart attack or stroke. The orange-flavored tablets are available in packages of 36, chewable or enteric-coated; a tri-pack of 108 chewable tablets; and a 180-count package of enteric-coated tablets. McNeil Consumer Healthcare is based in Fort Washington, Pa., (800) 962-5357.

Off the runway is Schiff Green Tea Diet, a weight-loss supplement that contains 225 mg of green tea extract, 90 mg of epigallocatechin gallate, and 50 mg of caffeine. Ephedrine-free, the all-natural tablet should be taken three times daily, preferably before meals. The suggested retail price for the 90-count bottle is between $12.99 and $14.99. The Schiff brand is owned by Weider Nutrition International, Salt Lake City, (800) 436-3444.

AlphaRx Inc. has introduced OraEase, a dietary supplement that promotes the repair of periodontal disease. A lozenge that gradually dissolves in the mouth over 20-30 minutes, OraEase contains a vitamin-like compound called CoEnzyme Q10, vitamin C, vitamin E, herbal extracts, menthol to promote fresh breath, and beta-sistosterol for gum health. To contact the Richmond Hill, Ontario, firm, call (905) 762-0745.

Another new dietary supplement is Vida Pras, an Indian herbal product that purportedly boosts energy and immunity. The granules can be taken by the teaspoon or dissolved in water. The nutraceutical is produced by XetaPharm, (800) 858-5854, a subsidiary of Xechem International, New Brunswick, N.J.

Health & Beauty Care

Starting mid-July, BIC Consumer Products will be rolling out a new blade and new packaging for its BIC PLUS shaver line. The improved smoother blade will be carried on the line's three products: the BIC PLUS shaver for Men with Beard Softeners, BIC PLUS shaver Sensitive with Aloe and Vitamin E, and BIC PLUS shaver for Women with Lanolin and Vitamin E. The shavers will be available in a five-pack size at a suggested retail price of $2.05 and a 10-pack size at $3.19. To contact the Milford, Conn., firm, call (203) 783-2000.

Another shaving system has undergone a makeover. It's American Safety Razor Co.'s Bump Fighter, a line of shaving products for African-American men who have razor bumps caused by curly facial hair that becomes ingrown after shaving with regular blades. The line includes a razor system, cartridge refill packs, disposable razors, shave gel, aftershave skin conditioner, and treatment mask. The new packaging will ship this fall. To reach the Verona, Va., firm, call (888) 835-8024.

"Go Glam!" is a new color collection for eyes, nails, and lips by Cover Girl. Premiering in September, five limited-edition shades, inspired by eighties color, will appear in Cover Girl Triple Mascara in Indi-Go!, Cover Girl CG Smoothers Thin Eyeliner in Go Glam!, Cover Girl Triple Lipstick in Blushed, Cover Girl Cheekers Blush in Diamond Highlights, and Cover Girl NailSlicks in Made for Jade. The Hunt Valley, Md., firm, (800) 426-8374, will support the launch with a national print campaign. In-store merchandising will include PegTalkers, Endcaps, Hot Spots, and Pre-Packs.

E. T. Browne Drug Co. has relaunched an improved version of Palmer's Skin Success Eventone Fade Cream in colorful new packaging. Containing hydroquinone to lighten skin and eliminate hyperpigmentation, the cream has been enhanced with vitamins C and E, emollients, and alpha hydroxy acids for extra moisture. The Englewood Cliffs, N.J., firm can be reached at (800) 526-0854.

Etc.

Using the new WaterSafe drinking water test kit, consumers can, by means of test strips, determine if the water in their home contains any of these substances: lead, pesticides, chlorine, nitrates/nitrites, pH, hardness, and iron. Offered by Silver Lake Research, the 10-minute, all-in-one kit carries a suggested retail price of $16.99. The Monrovia, Calif., firm, (888) 438-1942, is also offering a point-of-purchase display as an alternative to stocking WaterSafe on J-hooks, as well as a toll-free number consumers can call for professional advice on how to rid their water of the substances found in test results. Specific tests are also available.

 

Judy Chi. New Product Newswire. Drug Topics 2001;13:82.