SAN ANTONIO — Mission Pharmacal Co. is rolling out a flavored prednisolone oral solution for the treatment of severe asthma attacks, particularly in children.
The company said Wednesday that its grape-flavored Prednisolone Sodium Phosphate Oral Solution 25mg/5 ml product has been released in some U.S. markets and is slated to become available nationally as early as April.
Mission Pharmacal noted that its product will provide a welcome option for asthma sufferers. The company said that for years, dcotors have prescribed prednisolone in a 15 mg/5 ml standard as a rescue medicine to treat severe asthma attacks, especially in children. However, its taste has been so unpleasant patients often throw up after swallowing the medication and then resist further use.
This new liquid oral solution has a "yummy" grape taste, and the higher strength means lower volume for pediatric patients, according to Mission Pharmacal. In addition, the product’s 40% less volume compared to the 15-mg formula means easier in administration to children, and the eight-ounce bottle provides greater flexibility in prescribing, the company said.
"Kids actually take the medicine easily. There’s no need to force it. They don’t spit it out. And there’s no need for parents to ‘chase’ it with a cookie or cracker," stated Dr. Dennis Dilley, medical director of Dilley Allergy & Asthma Specialists LLP and a board-certified allergist/immunologist. "Its palatability means the medicine can actually be given and taken in the prescribed dosage. An easy-to-follow chart accompanies the medicine and is very helpful."
Mission Pharmacal said its pediatric sales team is supporting the product with a multifaceted marketing program aimed at prescribing physicians and other health care providers, pharmacies and patients. Patients prescribed Prednisolone Sodium Phosphate Oral Solution will be offered a coupon through their doctor’s office to be redeemed at the pharmacy when the prescription is filled. The savings will result in a co-pay similar to the cost of a generic that has the 15-mg strength.
"We are excited to offer Prednisolone Sodium Phosphate Oral Solution 25 mg," commented Clint Corwin, senior director of pediatric Rx products at Mission Pharmacal. "We’re pleased to provide a rescue medicine for those suffering an asthma attack that has a pleasant taste so kids don’t balk when needing it. The stronger formulation aids in patient compliancy."
