New Product Newswire

NEW PRODUCT NEWSWIRE Rx NEW DRUGS Another triptan is available for migraine sufferers. It's Pharmacia Corp.'s Axert (almotriptan malate tablets) to treat adults with these severe headaches with or without aura. The Peapack, N.J., firm claims the drug has strong efficacy and good safety. However, because this class of drugs can cause coronary vasospasm, the drug should not be given to patients with documented ischemic or vasospastic coronary artery disease. The recommended dose is one 12.5-mg or 6.25-mg tablet. For more information, call (800) 253-8600, ext. 3-8244 . Berlex Laboratories, (973) 487-2000, is launch-ing Finevin (azelaic acid cream 20%) for mild to moderate acne. The Montville, N.J., firm said this is the second azelaic acid product available domestically, following Allergan's Azelex. To catch up, Finevin is being offered at AWP $36.95, 12% less than Azelex, said a Berlex spokeswoman. The company has also prepared an informational guide for physicians to distribute to patients. The guide is designed to improve patients' compliance to the topical product, which should be applied twice a day morning and evening. Approved in March, American Home Products' Protonix IV for Injection (pantoprazole sodium) is now available on hospital pharmacy shelves. The drug is tailored for patients who cannot take the oral tablet form of the proton pump inhibitor. Protonix IV is approved for short-term (seven to 10 days) treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Each box will contain some filters for removing precipitates that may form when the reconstituted drug is mixed with IV solution. For information, call the Madison, N.J., firm at (800) 666-7248. NEW GENERICS Meet Aviane-28 Tablets (levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets USP), an oral contraceptive from Duramed Pharmaceuticals. The Cincinnati company claims that the tablets are the first and only generic product bioequivalent to and therapeutically interchangeable with Wyeth-Ayerst's Alesse. The AB-rated low-dose birth control pill comes in 100- and 20-mcg strengths. Duramed can be reached at (800) 543-8338. American Pharmaceutical Partners (APP) is rolling out progesterone in oil, USP. The injection is indicated for women with amenorrhea and abnormal uterine bleeding due to hormonal imbalance in the absence of organic pathology. APP is in Los Angeles, (310) 470-4222. Another new injectable is Gensia Sicor Pharmaceuticals' Mesna injection, a detoxifying agent used to help prevent bladder problems caused by some cancer drugs, such as fosfamide. Supplied in 10-ml multiple-dose vials, the product is injected into a vein. The Irvine, Calif., firm said it is now awaiting approval for an ifosfamide/mesna kit, the generic version of Bristol-Myers Squibb's Iffex/Mesnex Injection Kit, used for treating testicular cancer. For information, call (949) 455-4700. Looking for another supplier of generic Ritalin? Consider Able Laboratories, with its methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets, USP, 20 mg, which are bioequivalent to Novartis' Ritalin-SR 20-mg tablets for attention deficit disorders. Able is in Cincinnati, at (888) 826-ABLE. OTC Butler GUM, made by John O' Butler Co., has launched an antibacterial bristle toothbrush. The Chicago firm claims this is the first-ever toothbrush with an antibacterial coating. Infused with chlorhexidine, which targets strep, staph, and periodontal germs, the toothbrush comes with three replacement heads per package, thus offering antibacterial protection for 90 days. For more information, call (773) 481-3321. Home Health Care For a discreet way to find out if someone is taking illicit drugs, there's American Bio Medica Corp.'s Drug Detector. Rather than collecting urine, blood, or hair, as required by other drug tests, this kit involves wiping a test surface with a collection paper and then spraying the paper with an aerosol. If a residue of illegal drugs is present, the collection paper turns color within seconds. This home diagnostic contains 10 tests. The Kinderhook, N.Y., firm can be reached at (800) 227-1243. United Pacific, Columbia, S.C., has introduced a Thermoskin Knee Wrap Stabilizer to provide support and reduce patients' pain in that region. The wrap has an anterior opening and a popliteal cutout at the back of the knee, in addition to two quick-release Velcro closure tabs for easy application. To order, call (803) 735-0034. Maddak Inc. is promoting its Cane Clip, which allows users to attach their walking aids to a table, desk, or wall. The clip holds canes up to one inch in diameter and retails at $7.75, with two per bag. The Pequannock, N.J., firm can be reached at (973) 628-7600. Health & Beauty Care Beiersdorf, Wilton, Conn., (203) 563-5800, has unveiled Nivea for Men, a line of seven face-care products that include both vitamins and moisturizers. There is a face wash, an exfoliating scrub, mild and sensitive shaving gels, mild and sensitive after-shave balms, and a moisturizing lotion. Suggested retail prices range from $2.69 for the shaving gels to $5.99 for the face-care and after-shave products. Beiersdorf said it will promote its line with the biggest campaign it has ever held in this country. Also available from Nivea is a product for women: Skin Firming Lotion with Q10. Q10, a coenzyme found naturally in the skin, helps to defend the skin against aging. The company claims that this product firms the skin by 25% after three weeks and by 40% after eight weeks, as compared with the original lotion. Out this month, the lotion has a suggested retail price of $6.99 for an 8-oz bottle and $9.99 for the 12-oz size. It is anticipated that women will appreciate the conve-nience offered by The Andrew Jergens Co.'s Naturally Smooth Shave Minimizing Moisturizer. The company claims the product lets consumers shave half as often after they use it daily for eight weeks. The secret is in the herbalsilk extract, Jergens own formulation of the natural botanical Sanguisorba officinalis, or burnet root, which purportedly makes hair softer, finer, less noticeable, and easier to shave. A national print and broadcast advertising campaign will support the launch of the product, which comes in three sizes: 9.9 fl. oz. at $4.99, 12.8 fl. oz. at $5.99, and 19.9 fl. oz. at $8.49. The Cincinnati firm can be reached at (513) 421-1400. Etc. Hartz Mountain, (201) 271-4800, has launched Hartz Advanced Care Brand Flea and Tick Drops Plus. The Secaucus, N.J., firm claims this is the first and only OTC topical formula suitable for use on both cats and dogs over 12 weeks of age. The product contains Phenothrin and (S)Methoprene for killing fleas and ticks in egg, larva, and adult stages. Slim Jim Giant Slim Original is adding a new 4-in. x 4-in. 48-count point-of-purchase caddy for its meat snacks. GoodMark Foods, maker of Slim Jim, already has a 3-in. x 3-in. 24-count caddy. For more information, contact the Raleigh, N.C., company at (800) 662-7402. Duracell, (203) 796-4658, will be offering an improved battery called the Duracell Copper & Black. The Bethel, Conn., firm claims these Coppertop alkaline batteries will last longer and will be backed by a major advertising campaign. Sizes include AA, AAA, C, D, and 9-volt. ProFoot, Brooklyn, N.Y., has trotted out the Triad Orthotic Insole. Available in sizes to fit both men and women, these insoles are designed to help prevent foot fatigue and relieve both knee and back pain. More information on the insoles, which are packaged on self-selling hang-up cards, is available at (718) 965-8600. Customers using the Rembrandt Plus Superior Bleaching System with their own mouthguards for whitening their teeth can now pick up the Rembrandt Plus Refill Kit in pharmacies. The kit, from Rembrandt Oral Care Products, (800) 548-3663, contains six syringes filled with Rembrandt Lighten Bleaching Gel and is priced at $22.50. Rembrandt Oral Care Products is a division of Den-Mat Corp., Santa Maria, Calif. Judy Chi. New Product Newswire. Drug Topics 2001;11:65.