Chemistry:Cortisporin
Cortisporin is a drug consisting of Neomycin, bacitracin, polymyxin B and hydrocortisone. It is a combination antibiotic and cortisone-like medicine. It can be used to treat infections of the ear canal and to help provide relief from redness, irritation, and discomfort of certain ear problems, including so-called swimmer's ear. In 2016, the drug came under scrutiny when Los Angeles Times columnist David Lazarus highlighted it as an example of unwarranted drug price markups by pharmaceutical companies.[1] The drug is owned by Dublin, Ireland-based Endo International.
History
Cortisporin was developed by Glaxo Wellcome and was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1975. In 1997, the rights were sold to Monarch Pharmaceuticals, a division of King Pharmaceuticals. In 2007, King sold it to JHP Pharmaceuticals. Par Pharmaceutical acquired JHP in 2014. In 2015, Endo International purchased Par.[1]
Price history
In David Lazarus' February 4, 2016 LA Times column, a pharmacist recalled a 10 milliliter vial of the drug selling for around $10 in the early 2010s. In 2015, the price was $100, and in 2016, it reportedly was selling for $195. A generic version, which is thinner and reportedly doesn't work as well, is priced at $144.[1]
Generic info
Generic Name: neomycin sulfate, polymyxin B sulfate, and hydrocortisone. (Mfd. For: FALCON Pharmaceuticals, Ltd., Mfd. By: ALCON Manufacturing, Ltd.)
Dosage Form: otic suspension (liquid with ear dropper)
Generic Name: neomycin sulfate, polymyxin B sulfate, bacitracin zinc and hydrocortisone. (Monarch Pharmaceuticals, Inc.)
Dosage Form: Dermatological ointment, drops.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Lazarus, David (2016-02-04). "Martin Shkreli isn't alone in ripping off patients with crazy drug prices". latimes.com. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-lazarus-shkreli-20160204-column.html. Retrieved 2016-02-05.
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