Elaprase (idursulfase)

Shire Human Genetic Therapies Inc (Cambridge, Mass) recently received FDA approval for Elaprase—the first product for the treatment of Hunter syndrome (mucopolysaccharidosis II, or MPS II). Hunter syndrome is a rare inherited disease that can lead to premature death. Elaprase was designated as an orphan product by the FDA. The recommended dosage regimen of Elaprase is 0.5 mg/kg of body weight administered every week as an intravenous infusion. The product is a sterile, aqueous, clear to slightly opalescent, colorless solution supplied in a 5-mL type I glass vial. The vials are closed with a butyl rubber stopper with fluororesin coating and an aluminum overseal with a blue flip-off plastic top. For more information, visit www. elaprase.com, or call 866-888-0660.

NeoProfen (ibuprofen lysine) Injection

Ovation Pharmaceuticals (Deerfield, Ill) recently launched NeoProfen Injection. The product is indicated to close a clinically significant patent ductus arteriosus in premature infants weighing between 500 g and 1500 g, who are ≤32 weeks gestational age, when usual medical management is ineffective. A course of therapy is 3 doses of NeoProfen administered intravenously. An initial dose of 10 mg/kg is followed by 2 doses of 5 mg/kg each, after 24 hours and 48 hours. If the ductus arteriosus closes or is significantly reduced in size after completion of the first course of NeoProfen, no further doses are necessary. If, during continued medical management, the ductus arteriosus fails to close or reopens, then a second course of NeoProfen, alternative pharmacologic therapy or surgery may be necessary. NeoProfen is dispensed in clear-glass single-use vials, each containing 2 mL of sterile solution. For more information, visit www.ovationpharma.com, or call 888-514-5204.

SharpShield Safety Syringe

Devon Medical (King of Prussia, Pa) recently received FDA approval to market its safety-engineered SharpShield syringe. The syringe allows true singlehand injection requiring virtually no change in standard techniques. The safety device passively activates subepidermally when a form-fitted sheath slides over the needle point after the medicine is administered. This occurs before the needle is removed from the patient, preventing exposure to the contaminated needle. The plunger locks to ensure one-time use and low dead space. Unlike autoretractable syringes, SharpShield does not cause blood splatter upon activation or removal. For more information, call 800-571-3135, or visit www. devonmedicalsupplies.com.

ShrinkSafe ID Bands

EPS Inc (Ivyland, Pa) has introduced new ShrinkSafe ID Bands to help reduce medication errors involving paralytic agents, high-alert, and look-alike medicines. The product was designed to easily wrap around various sized vials containing medication requiring special handling. The bright orange band is specifically designed for 10-mL bottles containing high-alert paralytic agents. The sharp green band is for concentrated high-alert medications, drugs requiring further dilution prior to administration, or highlighting electrolytes dispensed in specialized care settings. The clear band is available in 2 sizes with a variety of dispensing applications for virtually all types of intravenous bottles and vials. The orange and green bands' distinctive colors immediately attract attention and alert practitioners that these particularly wrapped medications require special handling. The clear bands allow for use with a broader selection of high-alert medications while providing the same level of protection. A quick exposure to heat shrinks the ShrinkSafe ID Band to the vial's shape and still permits easy viewing of the manufacturer's label. Dispensing is also easy with these bands—health care professionals peel the band's pull tab, and the medication is ready for use. For more information, visit www.medidose.com, or call 800- 523-8966.