|
RECENT LAUNCHES
Sandoz launches authorized generic of Diovan HCT
Sandoz announced the launch of an authorized generic version of Novartis' Diovan HCT (valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide tablets. Novartis will continue marketing the branded version of the drug, which had sales of $2.3 billion in 2011 together with Diovan (valsartan). An authorized generic is a branded drug sold under its generic name at a reduced price. (DrugStoreNews 9/24/12)
Mylan launches generic version of Diovan HCT Tablets
Mylan announced that it received final FDA approval for its ANDA for Valsartan and Hydrochlorothiazide Tablets, the generic version of Novartis' Diovan HCT Tablets. Various versions of the drug had sales of approximately $1.6 billion during the 12-month period that ended in June, according to IMS Health. (PRNewswire 9/21/12, DrugStoreNews 9/21/12)
|
|
PRODUCT UPDATES
Watson issues voluntary nationwide recall of Hydrocodone Bitartrate
and Acetaminophen Tablets
Watson issued a voluntary nationwide recall for two lots of Hydrocodone Bitartrate and APAP Tablets, USP 10 mg/500 mg. A customer complaint was received for tablets that were thicker and of a darker shade than the other tablets. It is possible that some tablets from lots 519406A and 521759A exceed the weight specification and may contain higher than indicated amounts of the ingredients Hydrocodone Bitartrate and/or Acetaminophen. (PRNewswire 9/25/12)
|
|
INDUSTRY UPDATES
Generic drugs saved almost $2 billion in 2011
Generic prescription drugs saved $193 billion in drug costs in the U.S. last year, according to a report produced by the Generic Pharmaceutical Association. The fourth annual report, which was produced with data from IMS Health, showed that savings were up from $158 billion in 2010 and $60 billion in 2002. Nearly 80% of the prescriptions dispensed in the U.S. in 2011 were generics. The report showed that consumers opted for the generic version of a drug 94% of the time. It also noted that drugs for heart conditions and central nervous system disorders, such as depression and convulsions, accounted for 57% of the annual savings. (Canadian Healthcare Network 9/17/12)
|
