Exalgo Gets FDA Approval

A new extended-release formula of hydromorphone was just approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Exalgo, manufactured by Covidien, is a once-daily medication for the management of moderate to severe pain. While Exalgo is new, hydromorphone HCl has been used in the treatment of chronic pain for more than 80 years. This new extended-release formulation comes in tablet form and offers physicians another option for treating opioid-tolerant patients for moderate to severe chronic pain.

Release of Exalgo

Exalgo is slated to launch by summer 2010 by Covidien, already the largest supplier of controlled pain medications in the United States based on number of prescriptions. Exalgo was developed in partnership with CombinatoRx who created a time-release formula, allowing patients to avoid the peaks and valleys of pain management that occur with other medications that wear off.

Dangers of Exalgo

Misuse of Exalgo or combining with depressants, including alcohol, increases risk of respiratory depression, hypotension, and profound sedation, potentially resulting in coma or death.

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