US FDA approves cardiovascular medicine from Baxter

Published: 8-Mar-2019

The premixed format of eptifibatide to treat acute coronary syndrome is the first of its kind available in a flexible container

The sterile medication supplier Baxter International has received US FDA approval to launch its new product. The ready-to-use eptifibatide is the first of its kind available in a flexible container.

Eptifibatide is the latest addition to Baxter's line of ready-to-use medications intended to help enhance patient safety and support pharmacy efficiency

Premixed formats of standard doses of commonly prescribed drugs offer efficiencies for hospitals by simplifying the preparation process. Premixes may also help enhance patient safety by avoiding potential dosing errors that may occur when medications are compounded, the process of combining different drug agents in specific quantities to fill individualized prescriptions.

Eptifibatide is a platelet aggregation inhibitor that prevents platelets from sticking together and clotting. Eptifibatide is indicated for medical treatment of acute coronary syndrome (ACS), a broad term that includes heart attack and other emergency conditions in which the blood supply to the heart is suddenly stopped.

The inhibitor is also indicated for the treatment of patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), in which physicians insert a catheter to visualize and open blocked coronary arteries and may, if needed, implant a mesh tube, called a stent, to keep the artery open.

Robert Felicelli, President of Pharmaceuticals at Baxter, said: "By adding more essential premix medicines—like eptifibatide—to Baxter's broad portfolio, we can help support pharmacy efficiency, reduce waste and enhance patient safety."

Like other medicines in Baxter's premix portfolio, eptifibatide uses Baxter’s GALAXY container technology. GALAXY is a non-PVC and non-DEHP system that enables premixed medicines to have a longer shelf life when stored at room temperature.

Eptifibatide is currently available from Baxter in the United States.

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