Rx Product News (March 2019)

ENVARSUS XR

MANUFACTURED BY: Veloxis Pharmaceuticals

Indication: The FDA recently approved a new indication for Envarsus XR (tacrolimus extended-release tablets) to prevent organ rejection in patients who have undergone a de novo kidney transplant. The drug was approved in 2015 for the prevention of organ rejection in patients transitioning off tacrolimus immediate-release drugs.

DOSAGE FORM: Tablets

FOR MORE INFORMATION: envarsusxr.com

FARXIGA

MANUFACTURED BY: AstraZeneca

Indication: Farxiga (dapagliflozin) is maintaining its status as a preferred or tier 1 drug on the national Caremark formulary as the lowest branded co-pay in 2019. The sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor has been considered a tier 1 drug for 4 consecutive years since its 2014 approval. Farxiga is indicated to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus, in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise. Additionally, the results of a recent study showed that Farxiga cut hospitalizations for heart failure or cardiovascular deaths by 17% over the placebo.

DOSAGE FORM: Tablets

FOR MORE INFORMATION: farxiga.com

AJOVY

MANUFACTURED BY: Teva Pharmaceuticals

Indication: Ajovy (fremanezumabvfrm) is indicated for the preventive treatment of migraines in adults. The drug works by inhibiting the activity of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), a protein that may play a role in cluster and migraine headaches. During the clinical trial period, patients who suffered from chronic migraines experienced 4 to 5 fewer headache days per month, and patients suffering from episodic migraines experienced 3 to 4 fewer headache days per month.

DOSAGE FORM: Subcutaneous injection

FOR MORE INFORMATION: ajovy.com

FLUZONE QUADRIVALENT

MANUFACTURED BY: Sanofi

Indication: The FDA recently expanded the approval of Fluzone Quadrivalent (influenza vaccine) for use in children as young as 6 months. The flu vaccine will be available for the 2020 flu season for the expanded age range in 0.25-mL and 0.5-mL doses.

DOSAGE FORM: Intramuscular injection

FOR MORE INFORMATION: sanofi.com