New FDA Approvals of Pain Medications for Hospice Patients
Posted by Dr. Julia Harder
Intranasal Ketorolac Approved
The FDA has approved Roxro Pharma's Sprix (ketorolac tromethamine) nasal spray for the short-term (up to 5 days) management of acute moderate to moderately severe pain that requires analgesia at the opioid level. Sprix is rapidly absorbed through the nasal mucosa, achieving peak blood levels as quickly as ketoroloac administered as an intramuscular injection, and provides acute pain relief for outpatients with a nonnarcotic and easy-to-administer alternative to other commonly prescribed opioid medications.
Sprix Photo
OTC Pain Relief Patch Approved
The FDA has approved Hisamitsu's Salonpas Pain Relief Patch and Salonpas Arthritis Pain (methyl salicylate 10% and I-menthol 3%) for the temporary relief of mild to moderate muscle and joint aches and pains associated with arthritis, sprains, strains, bruises, and simple backaches. The patches are effective for up to 12 hours and can be used as an alternative for patients who have difficulty swallowing. The product is the only FDA-approved OTC pain relief patch on the market.