Beta packaging issue

[Bob698]

From an e-mail today:

Up to now, your single-dose of BETASERON® (interferon beta-1b) has come in a blister pack. The new single-dose box will bring you everything you use now in a streamlined, compact container. You may find it easy to open, simple to store, and convenient to take with you. Plus, both the new box and the plastic tray inside are recyclable, resulting in less waste.

Note that its still 14 kits per box instead of 15.

[pinolport]

Easy explanation

In the past two manufacturing site for Betaseron have been used. Bayer's site in Emeryville, CA and the contract manufacturer Boehringer Ingelheim in Germany. Boehringer Ingelheim was the contract manufacturer for Betaseron for all countries and Europe.

Some months ago the site in Emeryville has been closed. Now the worldwide supply comes from Boehringer Ingelheim. Therefore there is this slightly change of the vial.

The change of the swab is not related to the change of the manufacturer. This is related to an issue with non-sterile alcohol swabs which occurred last year. Since then most of the pharmaceutical companies have replaced non-sterile alcohol swabs with sterile alcohol swabs.

[hope32]

I never noticed that. I'm confused though; how would that cause a problem? You mean the "cap" you put on the top of the vial when you're reconstituting is too big?

[roargue]

Beta nurse called

Funny, I have noticed that same issue with the plastic packaging being too big for the vial. They had called me earlier to see what I thought before I every tried it from the new company. At least,I think it it a new company doing it now since the vial is bigger and different alcohol swabs in package. The suggestion of adding a piece of tissue is a good idea and will have to try that.
All I can say is to hang in there.

[MSer102]

This sounds like something the FDA might like to know about. Have you contacted them?

[Baker298]

Anyone out there still noticing that the cut-out for the vial is larger than the vial? Bayer recommends shredding a small piece of paper towel or tissue paper so that the vial can be snug. Low tech solution isn't really a solution when patients taking the med have dexterity issues. Can I hear a collective Daaaah?