Health-Systems Product News

Aranesp (darbepoetin alfa)

Amgen (Thousand Oaks, Calif) recently received FDA approval for every- 3-week dosing of Aranesp for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced anemia in patients with nonmyeloid malignancies. The product is the only erythropoiesis-stimulating agent approved by the FDA for every-3-week administration. The update to the Aranesp label now includes a recommended starting dose of 500 mcg once every 3 weeks in addition to the recommended starting dose of 2.25 mcg/kg once weekly. Aranesp received FDA approval in September 2001 for the treatment of anemia associated with chronic renal failure for patients on dialysis and patients not on dialysis. In July 2002, the FDA approved Aranesp for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced anemia in patients with nonmyeloid malignancies. For more information visit, www.aranesp.com, or call 800-772-6436.

Rituxan (Rituximab)

Genentech Inc (South San Francisco, Calif) and Biogen Idec Inc (Cambridge, Mass) recently received FDA approval for the therapeutic antibody Rituxan in combination with methotrexate to reduce the signs and symptoms in adult patients with moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who have had an inadequate response to one or more tumor necrosis factor antagonist therapies. The product is the first treatment for RA that specifically targets immune cells known as CD20-positive B-cells. Rituxan is supplied as 100 and 500 mg of sterile, preservative- free, single-use vials. For more information, visit www.gene.com, or call 800-821-8590.

Surgicept Waterless Surgical Hand Antiseptic

Healthpoint Ltd (Fort Worth, Tex), Surgical Division, a DFB Pharmaceuticals Inc company, recently introduced its newest brush-free scrubbing product?Surgicept Waterless Surgical Hand Antiseptic. The product is designed to reduce the buildup on hands associated with other waterless products reduce "slipping" in gloves that can promote loss of tactile sensation associated with other waterless products, and moisturize skin and improve skin quality. The product features a 2-minute waterless scrub consisting of 3 quick-drying 2-mL applications. Surgicept Waterless Surgical Hand Antiseptic also has a touch-free, infraredactivated, metereddose delivery system for greater accuracy and less waste. Visit www.surgicept.com for more information, or call 800-441-8227.

Tri-Sided Disposable Beakers

EPS Inc (Ivyland, Pa) recently announced the addition of 6 sizes of disposable beakers to its growing line of compounding and dispensing accessories. Ranging from 50 to 1000 mL, the beakers are manufactured with a tri-sided design and specially notched corners for easy pouring to minimize spillage. The beakers are made from durable, translucent polypropylene, so they are resistant to most acids and bases. Graduations, in both English (ounces) and Metric (milliliters), are formed into the beaker so that they will not deteriorate, allowing fluid levels to be easily seen. Tri-Sided Disposable Beakers' bottoms are flat to reduce the possibility of tipping and to allow for simple stacking and storage. For more information, visit www.medidose.com, or call 800-523-8966.