health-systems PRODUCT news

5 Micron Filter ConnectorEPS Inc (Ivyland, Pa) recently launched its 5 Micron Filter Connector. The product is designed for in-line control of particulate matter when infusing intravenous (IV) solutions. The 5 Micron Filter Connector connects administration sets with IV placement devices (eg, needles, catheters, cannulas, winged infusion sets, etc). The product contains a 5-?m filter to minimize the potential of particulate being dispensed. The special sintered design of this filter retains particles not only on the surface but also throughout its sponge-like construction. Because the filter is stainless steel, it does not shed, so it will not produce additional particulate matter in solutions. The product?s packaging has tamper-evident, heat-sealed caps to ensure sterility, simplify sterile handling, and facilitate safe disposal. For more information, visit www.medidose.com, or call 800-523-8966.

Hylenex recombinant (hyaluronidase human injection)Baxter Healthcare Corp (Deerfield, Ill) recently announced the availability of Hylenex recombinant for the ophthalmology market for use in enhancing the absorption and dispersion of other injected drugs. Hylenex is intended to address the serious unmet needs of patients with difficult venous access. FDA-approved in December 2005, the product is indicated as an adjuvant to increase the absorption and dispersion of other injected drugs, as an adjuvant for subcutaneous fluid administration (hypodermoclysis), and as an adjunct in subcutaneous urography for improving resorption of radiopaque agents. Hylenex is supplied sterile as 150 USP units of nonpreserved recombinant human hyaluronidase per milliliter in a single-use, 2-mL glass vial with a gray rubber stopper and aluminum flip-off seal. The product is not recommended for intravenous use. For more information, visit www.hylenex.com, or call 800-ANA-DRUG (800-2623784).

Lovenox (enoxaparin sodium injection)Sanofi-aventis (Bridgewater, NJ) recently received FDA approval for a supplemental new drug application for the anticoagulant Lovenox for the treatment of patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). STEMI is a severe type of heart attack in which an artery is generally completely blocked by a blood clot for a sufficient time, causing heart muscle damage. The product is indicated for the prophylaxis of ischemic complications of unstable angina and the non?Q-wave myocardial infarction when concurrently administered with aspirin and for the prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which may lead to pulmonary embolism (PE): in patients undergoing abdominal surgery who are at risk for thromboembolic complications; in patients undergoing knee replacement surgery; in patients undergoing hip replacement surgery (during and following hospitalization); and in medical patients who are at risk for thromboembolic complications due to severely restricted mobility during acute illness. Lovenox also is indicated for the inpatient treatment of acute DVT, with or without PE, when administered in conjunction with warfarin sodium, and for the outpatient treatment of acute DVT without PE, when administered with warfarin sodium. For additional information, visit www.lovenox.com, or call 800-981-2491.

Risperdal Consta ([risperi?done] Long-Acting Injection)Janssen LP (Titusville, NJ) recently received FDA approval for a 12.5-mg dose of Risperdal Consta for the treatment of schizophrenia within specific patient populations, including those with renal and hepatic impairment. The new dose of the product will provide physicians with more options to individualize treatment approaches and adjust therapies when clinical factors warrant dose changes. The product also is available in 25-, 37.5-, and 50mg doses. For patients who have never taken oral Risperdal, it is recommended to establish tolerability with oral Risperdal prior to initiating treatment with Risperdal Consta. The recommended dose is a 25-mg deep intramuscular gluteal injection every 2 weeks. Although dose?response effectiveness has not been established for Risperdal Consta, some patients not responding to 25 mg may benefit from a higher dose of 37.5 or 50 mg. For more information, visit www.risperdalconsta.com, or call 800-JANSSEN (800526-7736).