New Brand and Generic Medications
2022-05-27
New Brand Name Medications from Canada:
• BAQSIMI
What is BAQSIMI?
BAQSIMI contains glucagon, which is a naturally occurring hormone that works by telling your liver to bring blood sugar back up. The glucagon in BAQSIMI is the same active ingredient that has been around for decades.
It is a treatment that can be given in a low blood sugar emergency (severe hypoglycemia). It is a powder form of glucagon given in the nose when the person is unable to eat or drink. It can be given even if the person is unconscious because it does not need to be inhaled.
BAQSIMI is designed to be administered in emergency situations and can be given by either the patient or the caregiver. Due to the high level of stress surrounding these emergency situations, it is important that the patient instruct family, friends, and coworkers the location of their BAQSIMI as well as when and how to use it.
Unlike injectable glucagon, BAQSIMI is ready to use and does not need to be mixed or measured.
Information you need to know about BAQSIMI:
o Keep the tube sealed until ready to use. Being exposed to moisture can cause BAQSIMI to not work as expected
o Each BAQSIMI device contains 1 dose (3 mg) of glucagon nasal powder and can only be used once
o BAQSIMI is for nasal use only
o BAQSIMI should not be used past its expiration date
o Remember to tell those close to you where you keep BAQSIMI
o You can still use BAQSIMI if you have a cold or are taking cold medicine.
• WAKIX
WAKIX is a prescription medicine used to treat excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) or sudden onset of weak or paralyzed muscles (cataplexy) in adults with narcolepsy. It is a first-of-its-kind medication that increases histamine levels in the brain. The first and only once-daily tablet that is FDA approved to treat EDS or cataplexy in adults with narcolepsy, that is not a controlled substance.
Information you need to know about WAKIX:
o WAKIX is distributed by Harmony Biosciences in the USA and Paladin Labs in Canada
o Wakix is distributed as 5mg and 20mg pitolisant hydrochloride tablets in Canada
o In the USA Wakix tablets contain 4.45mg and 17.8mg of pitolisant.
o It is not uncommon for strengths to be listed differently such as 4.45mg of pitolisant and 5mg of pitolisant hydrochloride.
o Wakix has several potential drug interactions including interacting with other antihistamine medications and agents that can cause QT prolongation. QT prolongation leads to an increased risk of cardiac arrhythmia. Always discuss new medications with your pharmacist.
• OSPHENA
Osphena is the first and only once-daily, oral, non-hormonal treatment for moderate to severe vaginal dryness and/or moderate to severe painful intercourse, symptoms of changes in and around your vagina due to menopause.
Studies showed, that after 12 weeks of treatment, Osphena helped increase the proportion of superficial cells (cells that you need more of), helped decrease the proportion of parabasal cells (cells that you need less of), and helped lower vaginal pH, to improve vaginal health.
Information you need to know about OSPHENA:
o Osphena 60mg tablets are taken once daily, by mouth, with food.
o Osphena should be taken for the shortest duration consistent with treatment goals and risks for the individual woman.
o Canadian OSPHENA tablets are white to off-white, oval, biconvex, film-coated tablets engraved with “60” on one side.
o Osphena is available as 60mg ospemifene oral tablets and is marketed by Duchesnay Inc. in Canada and in the USA.
o Osphena requires a prescription.
• TRULANCE
Trulance is the first medication for chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) and Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation (IBS-C) that is designed to work like a natural peptide in your body. Trulance is thought to work primarily in the small intestine and works with your body to regulate and provide the appropriate amount of fluid to create a well-formed bowel movement.
A recent survey of IBS-C patients in Canada showed that 72% of said not all of their symptoms are under control. Trulance is a welcome addition to the treatment options available to help manage the symptoms and severity of IBS-C.
The recommended dosage of Trulance is one 3mg plecanatide tablet taken orally once daily with or without food. The tablet should always be swallowed whole. However, for adults with swallowing difficulties, Trulance tablets can be crushed and given orally in applesauce or with water.
The most common side effect of Trulance is diarrhea – which makes sense considering what this medication is being used to treat. However, if you experience severe diarrhea, the manufacturer recommends that you stop taking Trulance and call your doctor immediately.
Information you need to know about TRULANCE:
o Trulance is available as a 3mg plecanatide tablets
o Trulance is a trademark of Salix Pharmaceuticals in the USA and Bausch Health in Canada.
o Trulance requires a prescription
o Each tablet of Canadian TRULANCE contains 3 mg of plecanatide. The tablet is white to off-white, plain and round, debossed with “SP” on one side and “3” on the other side.
• OZEMPIC – new strength coming soon!
Ozempic (semaglutide) is a Glucagon-like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) Receptor Agonist and is used to treat type 2 diabetes.
Information you need to know about OZEMPIC:
o Ozempic (semaglutide injection) is available at your pharmacy in Canada in two strengths:
◾ Ozempic 2mg/pen (1.34 mg/mL) Pre-filled pen delivering doses of 0.25 mg or 0.5 mg
◾ Ozempic 4mg/pen (1.34 mg/mL) Pre-filled pen delivering doses of 1 mg
o Ozempic 8mg/pen (2.68 mg/mL) Pre-filled pen delivering doses of 2 mg is not yet available at your pharmacy in Canada.
o The higher dose (Ozempic 8 mg/pen which is 2.68 mg/mL) pen has been approved in the USA and is available in the USA.
o Ozempic 8mg pens have been approved in Canada but have not been marketed.
o The Ozempic higher dose pen is awaiting marketing authorization to be sold in Canada. This final process ensures labelling, and packaging have been approved in Canada. When this final approval process is completed, higher dose Ozempic 8mg pens will be available at Canadian pharmacies.
Read more about the higher dose Ozempic by following these links:
New Generic Medications from Canada:
• Latuda (Lurasidone)
A prescription medication that is used to treat mental and mood disorders such as schizophrenia and depression linked to bipolar disorder. Lurasidone belongs to the class of drugs called atypical antipsychotics.
It works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural substances in the brain. Latuda is used to help you think clearly, feel less nervous and help you live a normal life. It may also help to decrease hallucinations. This medication may also help improve your mood, sleep, appetite, and energy level.
Manufacturer Information:
Brand name Latuda is currently available from Canada manufactured by Sunovion. The generic form is also distributed in Canada by various generic companies.
Both brand name Latuda and its generic form of lurasidone is available in the strength of 20 mg, 40 mg, 60 mg, 80 mg, and 120 mg tablets.
• Brillinta (Ticagrelor)
This belongs to the group of medications called platelet aggregation inhibitors or antiplatelet agents. This medication is often used with a low-dose aspirin to help prevent heart attack and stroke in people with heart disease or heart problems. It may also be used to prevent heart attack or stroke after certain surgeries.
Ticagrelor works by blocking the platelets from sticking together to form harmful clots. It helps to keep the blood flowing smoothly in the body to help reduce the risk of another cardiovascular event.
Manufacturer Information:
Brand name Brilinta is available from Canada manufactured by AstraZeneca. The generic form is also available, distributed by various generic companies.
Both brand name Brilinta and its generic form of ticagrelor are available in the strength of 60 mg and 90 mg tablets.
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