NASHVILLE, Tenn., Dec. 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Cumberland Pharmaceuticals Inc. announced today that an independently conducted study of Acetadote (acetylcysteine) Injection, or intravenous N-acetylcysteine, as a cost-saving treatment for acetaminophen poisoning was published in Volume 12, Number 4 of the peer-reviewed Journal of Medical Economics, distributed in December. The study concludes that Acetadote is a less costly treatment regimen than oral N-acetylcysteine in all evaluated scenarios.
"The results of this analysis provide a strong economic argument for treatment of acetaminophen poisoning with Acetadote for substantial cost savings to the healthcare system," said Dr. Albert Marchetti, President and Medical Director of the Medical Education and Research Alliance of America, Adjunct Professor at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, and lead author of the publication. "Using real world data to model best- and worst-case scenarios, Acetadote was shown to be the less costly option in all cases."
To provide assistance in evaluating potential savings for individual hospitals or other facilities, Cumberland Pharmaceuticals offers an online tool to help medical professionals compare Acetadote and oral treatment using their own data. This economic modeling tool, which may also be downloaded, can be found at www.acetadote.net.
Summary Results
The study found that the estimated total cost associated with oral treatment is $5,817 if a patient presents within 10 hours of ingestion and is treated in the ICU; $3,850 if managed in the ward. By comparison, Acetadote is estimated to cost $3,765 for a similar scenario in the ICU and $2,768 in the ward.
Background
The American Association of Poison Control Centers reports that acetaminophen overdose is the most commonly reported poisoning in the United States and has the highest rate of mortality, with more than 100,000 exposures and 300 deaths reported annually.(1) It has replaced viral hepatitis as the most common cause of acute hepatic decompensation and is the second most common cause of hepatic failure requiring transplantation.(2) However, in cases where patients present within 16 hours of ingestion and treatment is administered quickly, catastrophic outcomes are uncommon.(3) Thus, rapid diagnosis and treatment are the keys to patient safety, short hospital stays, and cost management.
The publication can be found online at http://informahealthcare.com.
About Acetadote
Acetadote (acetylcysteine) Injection is used in the emergency department to prevent or lessen potential liver damage resulting from an overdose of acetaminophen, a common ingredient in many over-the-counter painkillers. It is the only approved injectable product in the United States for the treatment of acetaminophen overdose. Acetadote is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity or previous anaphylactoid reactions to acetylcysteine or any components of the preparation. Serious anaphylactoid reactions, including death in a patient with asthma, have been reported in patients administered acetylcysteine intravenously. Acetadote should be used with caution in patients with asthma, or where there is a history of bronchospasm. The total volume administered should be adjusted for patients less than 40 kg and for those requiring fluid restriction. To avoid fluid overload, the volume of diluent should be reduced as needed. If volume is not adjusted, fluid overload can occur, potentially resulting in hyponatremia, seizure, and death. For full prescribing information, visit www.acetadote.net.
About Journal of Medical Economics
Journal of Medical Economics, published quarterly, provides economic assessments of novel therapeutic and device interventions. JME also specializes in the publication of studies that determine the effectiveness of medical treatment, involving measurements of therapeutic and/or preventive outcomes. It is one of more than 170 journals published by Informa Pharmaceutical Science. The journal serves an international audience of key opinion leaders and decision makers working within pharmaceutical/biotech companies, major research institutes and universities, healthcare institutions, healthcare consultancies and governmental bodies.
Important Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements that reflect Cumberland's current views with respect to future events, based on what it believes are reasonable assumptions. No assurance can be given that these events will occur. As with any business, all phases of operations are subject to influences outside of the Company's control. Risk factors that could materially affect results of operations include, among others, those factors discussed in Cumberland's Registration Statement declared effective by the SEC on August 10, 2009. There can be no assurance that results or developments anticipated by Cumberland will be realized or, even if realized, that they will have the expected effects. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Cumberland undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions to these statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
1) Bronstein AC, Spyker D, Cantilena LR, et al. 2007 Annual report of the American Association of Poison Control Centers' National Poison Data System (NPDS): 25th annual report. Clin Toxicol 2008;46:927-1057.
3) Buckley NA, Whyte IM, O'Connell DL, et al. Oral or intravenous N-acetylcysteine: which is the treatment of choice for acetaminophen (paracetamol) poisoning? J Toxicol Clin Toxicol 1999;37:759-67.
Cumberland Pharmaceuticals Inc.