Health trends
Published:Wednesday | December 7, 2011 | 12:00 AM
Generic Lipitor approved
The US Food and Drug Administration recently approved the first generic version of the cholesterol-lowering drug Lipitor (atorvastatin calcium tablets). Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd has gained approval to make generic atorvastatin calcium tablets in 10mg, 20mg, 40mg, and 80mg strengths. The drug will be manufactured by Ohm Laboratories in New Brunswick, NJ.
People who have high blood cholesterol levels have a greater chance of getting heart disease. By itself, the condition usually has no signs or symptoms. Thus, many people do not know that their cholesterol levels are too high. Atorvastatin is a statin, a type of drug that lowers cholesterol in the body by blocking an enzyme in the liver. Atorvastatin is used along with a low-fat diet to lower the LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood.
- Source: The US Food and Drug Administration
Insomnia drug to the rescue
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved Intermezzo (zolpidem tartrate sublingual tablets) for use as needed to treat insomnia characterised by middle-of-the-night waking followed by difficulty returning to sleep. This is the first time the FDA has approved a drug for this condition. Intermezzo should only be used when a person has at least four hours of bedtime remaining. It should not be taken if alcohol has been consumed or with any other sleep aid.
Insomnia is a common condition in which a person has trouble falling or staying asleep. It can range from mild to severe, depending on how often it occurs and for how long. Insomnia can cause excessive daytime sleepiness and lack of energy. It also can make a person feel anxious, depressed, or irritable. People with insomnia may have trouble focusing on tasks, paying attention, learning, and remembering.
Zolpidem tartrate was first approved in the United States in 1992 as the drug Ambien. Intermezzo is a lower-dose formulation of zolpidem. The recommended and maximum dose of Intermezzo is 1.75mg for women and 3.5mg for men, taken once per night.
- Source: The US Food and Drug Administration