HOBOKEN, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Octapharma USA has signed an agreement with Cardinal Health to serve as the company’s authorized distributor of the full Octapharma product portfolio in Puerto Rico.
Octapharma USA is a division of one of the largest producers of human blood plasma protein products and recombinant products in the world. Patients in more than 100 countries are treated with Octapharma therapies in Hematology (bleeding disorders), Immunotherapy (immune disorders) and Critical Care (emergency medicine).
“We are pleased to be able to offer the people of Puerto Rico the full range of Octapharma’s life-saving and enhancing therapies, particularly those in the area of bleeding disorders,” said Octapharma USA President Flemming Nielsen. “Octapharma has been committed to patient care and medical innovation since its inception in 1983, and we look forward to working with Cardinal to bring innovative therapies to patients and the medical community in Puerto Rico.”
NUWIQ®, Antihemophilic Factor (Recombinant) Lyophilized Powder for Solution for Intravenous Injection is a recombinant antihemophilic factor [blood coagulation factor VIII (Factor VIII)] indicated in adults and children with Hemophilia A for on-demand treatment and control of bleeding episodes; perioperative management of bleeding; and routine prophylaxis to reduce the frequency of bleeding episodes. NUWIQ® is not indicated for the treatment of von Willebrand Disease.
WILATE®, von Willebrand Factor/Coagulation Factor VIII Complex (Human) Lyophilized Powder for Solution for Intravenous Injection is a plasma-derived, highly purified concentrate of freeze-dried human von Willebrand factor (VWF) and coagulation factor VIII. WILATE® is indicated in children and adults with von Willebrand disease for on-demand treatment and control of bleeding episodes; and perioperative management of bleeding. WILATE® is not indicated for the treatment of Hemophilia A.
For information on all available Octapharma products, the medical community in Puerto Rico can contact Cardinal Health Pharmacy & Hospital (Rx) at:
| Telephone: (787) 625-4200 |
| Toll-free: (800) 981-4699 |
| Fax: (787) 625-4398 |
|
Email: cuserv@cardinalhealth.com. |
NUWIQ® Important Safety Information
NUWIQ® is contraindicated in patients who have manifested life-threatening immediate hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, to the product or its components. Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, are possible. Should symptoms occur, discontinue NUWIQ® and administer appropriate treatment. Development of Factor VIII neutralizing antibodies (inhibitors) may occur. If expected plasma Factor VIII activity levels are not attained, or if bleeding is not controlled with an appropriate dose, perform an assay that measures Factor VIII inhibitor concentration. Monitor all patients for Factor VIII activity and development of Factor VIII inhibitor antibodies. The most frequently occurring adverse reactions (0.7%) in clinical trials were paresthesia, headache, injection site inflammation, injection site pain, non-neutralizing anti-Factor VIII antibody formation, back pain, vertigo, and dry mouth. For full prescribing information on NUWIQ®, please visit www.nuwiqusa.com.
WILATE® Important Safety Information
WILATE® is contraindicated for patients who have known hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylactic or severe systemic reaction, to human plasma-derived products, any ingredient in the formulation, or components of the container. Thromboembolic events have been reported in VWD patients receiving coagulation factor replacement therapies. FVIII activity should be monitored to avoid sustained excessive FVIII levels. Development of neutralizing antibodies to FVIII and to VWF, especially in VWD Type 3 patients, may occur. WILATE® is made from human plasma. The risk of infectious agents, including viruses and, theoretically, the Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease agent, cannot be completely eliminated. The most common adverse reactions to treatment with WILATE® in patients with VWD were hypersensitivity reactions, urticaria, and dizziness. Seroconversions for antibodies to parvovirus B19 not accompanied by clinical signs of disease have been observed. The most serious adverse reactions to treatment with WILATE® in patients with VWD were hypersensitivity reactions. For full prescribing information on WILATE®, please visit www.wilateusa.com.
About the Octapharma Group
Headquartered in Lachen, Switzerland, Octapharma is one of the largest human protein products manufacturers in the world and has been committed to patient care and medical innovation since 1983. Its core business is the development and production of human proteins from human plasma and human cell lines. Octapharma employs approximately 6,000 people worldwide to support the treatment of patients in over 100 countries with products across the following therapeutic areas: Hematology (coagulation disorders), Immunotherapy (immune disorders) and Critical Care. The company’s American subsidiary, Octapharma USA, is located in Hoboken, N.J. Octapharma operates two state-of-the-art production sites licensed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), providing a high level of production flexibility. For more information, please visit www.octapharmausa.com.
About Cardinal Health Puerto Rico
Cardinal Health Puerto Rico is the largest and most technologically-advanced distributor of pharmaceutical products and medical supplies in Puerto Rico. Cardinal Health Puerto Rico provides more than 20,000 products, from more than 300 supply sources, to more than 1,500 sites of care including hospitals, pharmacies, physicians, clinical and reference laboratories and other healthcare providers in the Island and the Caribbean.
Cardinal Health Puerto Rico is also a leader in pharmacy management services, Specialty pharmaceutical distribution and most recently opened a nuclear pharmacy on the island. Cardinal Health Puerto Rico employs more than 500 employees and is committed to making health care safer and cost-effective, while providing the highest level of customer service to the healthcare industry in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean.
About Cardinal Health
Cardinal Health, Inc. (NYSE: CAH), is a global integrated healthcare services and products company, providing customized solutions for hospital systems, pharmacies, ambulatory surgery centers, clinical laboratories and physician offices worldwide. The company provides clinically proven medical products and pharmaceuticals and cost-effective solutions that enhance supply chain efficiency from hospital to home. Cardinal Health connects patients, providers, payers, pharmacists and manufacturers for integrated care coordination and better patient management. Backed by nearly 100 years of experience, with more than 37,000 employees in nearly 60 countries, Cardinal Health ranks among the top 25 on the Fortune 500. For more information, visit cardinalhealth.com, follow @CardinalHealth on Twitter and connect on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/ company/cardinal-health.
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