Hospira Launches Generic Irinotecan Injection
Hospira, Inc., the world leader in generic injectable pharmaceuticals, recently announced the launch of irinotecan hydrochloride injection in the United States. The medication is a generic version of Pfizer's Camptosar, which posted 2007 U.S. sales of more than $545M. Irinotecan hydrochloride injection is used for patients with colon or rectal cancer whose disease has recurred or progressed following therapy with other treatments.
"We are continuing to grow our leading portfolio of generic medications used to treat patients with cancer," said Robert Felicelli, vice president and general manager, Specialty Pharmaceuticals, Hospira. "By providing irinotecan and other high-quality, lower-cost alternatives to proprietary medications, Hospira is meeting patient needs in this fast-growing therapeutic area."
Hospira's irinotecan product portfolio extends beyond the formulations available from the innovator. In addition to offering the medication in 40 mg and 100 mg single-dose vials, Hospira is also marketing a 500 mg single-dose vial, for additional convenience when preparing and delivering larger doses. The company packages irinotecan in its proprietary Onco-Tain vials for safe handling.
Hospira offers the broadest generic injectable product portfolio in the world, with more than 190 generic injectable products in more than 900 dosages and formulations. Product areas include cardiovascular, anesthesia, anti-infectives, oncology, analgesics, emergency and other therapeutic segments. A host of proprietary non-biologic drugs are facing patent expiration globally over the coming years, and many of these compounds are in Hospira's robust product pipeline. To help reduce medication errors, Hospira labels all of its injectable products with unit-of-use bar codes.
Hospira already markets irinotecan in Canada, Australia and several European countries.
Indications and Safety Information
Irinotecan hydrochloride injection is indicated for patients with metastatic carcinoma of the colon or rectum whose disease has recurred or progressed following initial fluorouracil-based therapy. Common adverse events include diarrhea (early and late), neutropenia, leukopenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, cholinergic symptoms, dizziness, visual disturbances, alopecia, mucositis, pain, weakness and fever.
Boxed Warning: Irinotecan HCl Injection should be administered only under the supervision of a physician who is experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents. Appropriate management of complications is possible only when adequate diagnostic and treatment facilities are readily available. Irinotecan HCl Injection can induce both early and late forms of diarrhea that appear to be mediated by different mechanisms. Both forms of diarrhea may be severe. Early diarrhea (occurring during or shortly after infusion of Irinotecan HCl Injection may be accompanied by cholinergic symptoms of rhinitis, increased salivation, miosis, lacrimation, diaphoresis, flushing, and intestinal hyperperistalsis that can cause abdominal cramping. Early diarrhea and other cholinergic symptoms may be prevented or ameliorated by atropine (see PRECAUTIONS, General). Late diarrhea (generally occurring more than 24 hours after administration of Irinotecan HCl Injection) can be life threatening since it may be prolonged and may lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, or sepsis. Late diarrhea should be treated promptly with loperamide. Patients with diarrhea should be carefully monitored and given fluid and electrolyte replacement if they become dehydrated or antibiotic therapy if they develop ileus, fever, or severe neutropenia (see WARNINGS). Administration of Irinotecan HCl Injection should be interrupted and subsequent doses reduced if severe diarrhea occurs (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION). Severe myelosuppression may occur (see WARNINGS).
For full prescribing information, including safety and warning information, contact Hospira Medical Information at (800) 615-0187.
About Hospira
Hospira, Inc. is a global specialty pharmaceutical and medication delivery company dedicated to Advancing Wellness. As the world leader in specialty generic injectable pharmaceuticals, Hospira offers one of the broadest portfolios of generic acute-care and oncology injectables, as well as integrated infusion therapy and medication management solutions. Through its products, Hospira helps improve the safety, cost and productivity of patient care. The company is headquartered in Lake Forest, Ill., and has more than 14,000 employees. Learn more at www.hospira.com.
SOURCE: Hospira, Inc.