Exalgo approved for moderate to severe pain

The FDA has approved Exalgo (hydromorphone HCl extended-release tablets, from Covidien) for the management of moderate to severe pain in opioid-tolerant patients requiring continuous, around-the-clock opioid analgesia for an extended period of time. Exalgo utilizes the OROS Push-Pull osmotic delivery system to release hydromorphone at a controlled rate to help minimize the peaks and troughs that may be experienced by chronic pain patients who rely on products that are dosed at more frequent intervals.

Exalgo is expected to be made available in the first half of 2010.

For more information call (508) 261-8000 or visit www.covidien.com.