MORRISTOWN, N.J., July 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc. , a leading specialty pharmaceutical company, announced today that it has resumed shipments to reintroduce its intravenous iron replacement therapy INFeD (iron dextran injection,USP). The product, which had been out of stock due to changes in the final product manufacturing site and issues with raw material supply, is re-entering the market earlier than expected. Watson expects to be in a normal supply situation for INFeD shortly.
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About INFeD(R)
INFeD(R) is an iron dextran injection indicated for the treatment of patients with documented iron deficiency anemia in whom oral administration is unsatisfactory or impossible. INFeD was approved, and has been available for clinical use in the U.S since 1992.
Important Safety Information
The parenteral use of complexes of iron and carbohydrates has resulted in anaphylactic-type reactions. Deaths associated with such administration have been reported. Therefore, INFeD should be used only in those patients in whom the indications have been clearly established and laboratory investigations confirm an iron-deficient state not amenable to oral iron therapy. Because fatal anaphylactic reactions have been reported after administration of iron dextran injection, the drug should be given only when resuscitation techniques and treatment of anaphylactic and anaphylactoid shock are readily available. Test dose is required.
INFeD should be used with caution in individuals with histories of significant allergies and/or asthma, and is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to the product and patients with all anemias not associated with iron deficiency. Allergic reactions may potentially still occur in patients who have previously tolerated test or therapeutic doses of INFeD, so administration of subsequent test doses during therapy should be considered. INFeD should be used with extreme care in patients with serious impairment of liver function, and should not be used during the acute phase of infectious kidney disease. Unwarranted therapy with parenteral iron will cause excess storage of iron with the consequent possibility of exogenous hemosiderosis, which is particularly apt to occur in patients with hemoglobinpathies and other refractory anemias.
About Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a global leader in the development and distribution of pharmaceuticals with a broad portfolio of generic products and a specialized portfolio of brand pharmaceuticals focused on Urology, Women’s Health and Nephrology/Medical.
For press release and other company information, visit Watson Pharmaceuticals’ Web site at http://www.watson.com.
Forward-Looking Statement
Any statements contained in this press release that refer to future events or other non-historical facts are forward-looking statements that reflect Watson’s current perspective of existing trends and information as of the date of this release. Except as expressly required by law, Watson disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from Watson’s current expectations depending upon a number of factors affecting Watson’s business. These factors include, among others, the impact of competitive products and pricing; market acceptance of and continued demand for Watson’s products; difficulties or delays in manufacturing; the difficulty of predicting the timing or outcome of FDA or other regulatory agency approvals or actions, if any; and other risks and uncertainties detailed in Watson’s periodic public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including but not limited to Watson’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.
CONTACT: Patty Eisenhaur of Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc., +1-951-493-5611
Web site: http://www.watson.com/
