Arformoterol Tartrate and Sodium Ferric Gluconate

• Generic Name: arformoterol
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Brovana

Long-term treatment of bronchoconstriction associated with COPD, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

Long-acting β2-adrenergic agonists recommended as maintenance therapy in patients with moderate (e.g., forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV1] ≥50 but <80% of predicted) to very severe COPD (e.g., FEV1 <30% of predicted or <50% of predicted plus chronic respiratory failure) who have persistent symptoms not relieved by as-needed therapy with short-acting bronchodilators (e.g., ipratropium, β2-adrenergic agonist).

Regular treatment with long-acting bronchodilators more effective and convenient than treatment with short-acting bronchodilators. Superiority of one long-acting bronchodilator over another currently not established. If inadequate response, may use a combination of long-acting bronchodilators, such as a long-acting inhaled anticholinergic agent (tiotropium) and a long-acting β2-adrenergic agonist.

In patients with severe (e.g., FEV1 <50% of predicted, history of repeated exacerbations) to very severe COPD, add regular treatment with an inhaled corticosteroid to long-acting bronchodilator therapy. If inadequate response or limiting adverse effects occur, add or substitute extended-release oral theophylline.

Not to be used for immediate relief of acute exacerbations of COPD. Use short-acting inhaled β2-agonist intermittently (as needed) for acute symptoms of COPD. (See Acute Exacerbations of COPD under Cautions.) Efficacy and safety of long-acting bronchodilators, with or without inhaled corticosteroids, during acute exacerbations of COPD not established.

• Generic Name: sodium ferric gluconate complex
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Ferrlecit, Nulecit

Treatment of iron deficiency anemia in adult and pediatric hemodialysis patients receiving epoetin alfa therapy.

In patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on hemodialysis, IV iron superior to orally administered iron in increasing hemoglobin concentrations and/or minimizing dosage of an erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) (e.g., epoetin alfa); the National Kidney Foundation Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (NKF-KDOQI) guidelines state that the IV route of iron administration is preferred in such patients.

Limited data suggest that iron sucrose and sodium ferric gluconate injections may be associated less frequently with serious adverse effects (e.g., hypersensitivity reactions) compared with iron dextran injection.

Safety and efficacy not established for the prevention and/or treatment of iron deficiency anemia not associated with CKD (e.g., HIV- or cancer-related anemia).