Market Watch

Product Removal

Inhalers containing ozone-depleting chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are continuing to be phased out.¹⁶ These agents are used to treat asthma and COPD, and alternate products that do not contain CFCs are available. Some pharmacies might be depleting stock after the “last-sale date.” The affected products and their phase-out dates are:

• Tilade (nedocromil): June 14, 2010;
• Alupent (metaproterenol): June 14, 2010;
• Aerobid (flunisolide): June 30, 2010;
• Azmacort (triamcinolone): Dec. 31, 2010;
• Intal (cromolyn): Dec. 31, 2010;
• Combivent (albuterol/ipratropium): December 31, 2013; and
• Maxair (pirbuterol) autohaler: December 31, 2013. TH

Michele B. Kaufman, PharmD, BSc, RPh, is a freelance medical writer based in New York City and a clinical pharmacist at New York Downtown Hospital.

References

1. Orange Book: Approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations. U.S. Food and Drug Administration website. Available at: www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/docs/obdetail.cfm?Appl_No=078357&TABLE1=OB_Rx. Accessed April 27, 2010.
2. Mylan announces approval under PEPFAR for generic version of Videx EC HIV treatment. Medical News Today website. Available at: www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/186273.php. Accessed April 27, 2010.
3. Sirion Therapeutics announces availability of Zirgan (ganciclovir ophthalmic gel) 0.15% for ocular herpes. PR Newswire website. Available at: www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sirion-therapeutics-announces-availability-of-zirgantm-ganciclovir-ophthalmic-gel-015-for-ocular-herpes-92084614.html. Accessed April 27, 2010.
4. CSL Behring receives FDA approval to extend shelf life for Privigen from 24 to 36 months. CSL Behring website. Available at: www.cslbehring-us.com/s1/cs/enus/1154272074489/news/1255923905944/prdetail.htm. Accessed April 27, 2010.
5. FDA approves Oravig (miconazole) buccal tablets for treatment of oropharyngeal candidiasis. PAR Pharmaceuticals website. Available at: investors.parpharm.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=81806&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1413993&highlight=. Accessed April 27, 2010.
6. Alkermes submits supplemental new drug application for Vivitrol for the treatment of opioid dependence. Medical News Today website. Available at: www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/185456.php. Accessed April 27, 2010.
7. FDA approves reformulated oxycontin. Contract Pharma website. www.contractpharma.com/news/2010/04/07/fda_approves_reformulated_oxycontin. Accessed April 27, 2010.
8. Gansz Bobo E. FDA approves pancreatic enzyme product, Pancreaze. FDA website. Available at: www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm208135.htm. Accessed April 27, 2010.
9. Once-daily Mirapex ER now approved by FDA for both early and advanced Parkinson’s disease. Medical News Today website. Available at: www.medicalnewstoday.com/printerfriendlynews.php?newsid=183272. Accessed April 27, 2010.
10. DiaPrevent diabetes research. DiaPrevent website. Available at: www.diaprevent.diamyd.com/. Accessed April 27, 2010.
11. Diamyd granted orphan drug designation in the US. Diamyd website. Available at: www.diamyd.com/docs/pressClip.aspx?section=investor&ClipID=479460. Accessed April 27, 2010.
12. Same-day genetic testing service available for safer warfarin dosing. Monthly Prescribing Reference website. Available at: www.empr.com/same-day-genetic-testing-service-available-for-safer-warfarin-dosing/article/167586/. Accessed April 27, 2010.
13. NDA submitted for DM-1796 for postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). Monthly Prescribing Reference website. Available at: www.empr.com/nda-submitted-for-dm-1796-for-postherpetic-neuralgia-phn/article/167056/. Accessed April 26, 2010.
14. Gilead initiates Phase III clinical program evaluating single-table, once-daily “quad” regimen for HIV. Gilead website. Available at: www.gilead.com/pr_1411934. Accessed April 27, 2010.
15. Novartis investigational multiple sclerosis therapy Gilenia (FTY720) shown to reduce relapse rates regardless of treatment history. Drugs.com website. Available at: www.drugs.com/clinical_trials/novartis-investigational-multiple-sclerosis-therapy-gilenia-fty720-shown-reduce-relapse-rates-9139.html. Accessed April 27, 2010.
16. Inhalers containing CFCs being eliminated. Pharamacist eLink website. Available at: www.pharmacistelink.com/index.php/Drugs-and-Treatment/Inhalers-containing-CFC-s-being-eliminated.html. Accessed April 27, 2010.