000A18_MPR_0210.qxp 1/27/2010 3:20 PM Page 1
NEWSLINE
Highlights of recent developments
Sumavel DosePro available H1N1 vaccine monitoring Bacitracin Oph. Ointment
The FDA has issued a letter
to update healthcare profes-
sionals on the FDA/CDC
experience with the H1N1
vaccination program and to
provide details on the cur-
rent vaccine safety monitor-
ing program. The FDA and
CDC are assessing H1N1
vaccine safety on a continu-
Zogenix and Astellas have ing basis and have published Fera has made Bacitracin
made available Sumavel a report describing the safety ophthalmic ointment readily
DosePro (sumatriptan profile of H1N1 vaccines in available again. Previously,
injection), a selective the U.S. No substantial dif- only a limited quantity
5-HT1B/1D receptor agonist ferences between H1N1 and of this prescription anti-
in a needle-free delivery seasonal influenza vaccines infective ophthalmic had
system, for the acute treat- were noted in the propor- been available. Bacitracin
ment of migraine attacks, tion or types of serious ophthalmic ointment is indi-
with or without aura, and adverse events reported. cated to treat susceptible
the acute treatment of No increase in any of the superficial ocular infections
cluster headache episodes. preselected adverse events involving the conjunctiva
Sumavel DosePro is avail- under surveillance (eg, and/or cornea.
able as a 6mg/0.5mL single- Guillain-Barré syndrome) For more information
use, disposable injection. has been seen in Vaccine call (414) 434-6604.
For more information Safety Datalink data.
call (866) ZOGENIX. For more information visit Spiriva HandiHaler update
www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/ The FDA announced that
Adrenaclick Auto-injector PublicHealthFocus/ucm197 data from a recent review of
Sciele Pharma announced 733.htm. Spiriva HandiHaler (tiotro-
that Adrenaclick (epineph- pium dry powder for inhala-
rine auto-injector) is avail- Sulfite-free sfRowasa tion, from Boehringer
able for the treatment of sfRowasa (mesalamine Ingelheim) do not support
severe allergic reactions rectal suspension), a sulfite- an increased risk of stroke,
(Type I). These reactions free formulation of Rowasa heart attack, or death. This
include anaphylaxis to sting- has been made available to communication is based on a
ing and biting insects, aller- treat active mild to moder- review of the Understanding
gen immunotherapy, foods, ate di