Par Specialty Pharmaceuticals Launches Nascobal® (Cyanocobalamin, USP) Nasal Spray Single-Use Device Along with Nascobal® Nutrition Direct™ Program

One Spray per Device, Without the Need for Priming, Provides Greater Ease of Use

Nascobal® Nutrition Direct™ Program Designed to Make Lifelong Nutritional Support as Simple as Possible

News provided by

Mar 30, 2015, 08:00 ET

CHESTNUT RIDGE, N.Y., March 30, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Par Specialty Pharmaceuticals (formerly Strativa Pharmaceuticals) today announced the launch of Nascobal^® Nasal Spray in a single-use device. Nascobal^® is a prescription vitamin B₁₂ supplement administered as one spray, one nostril, once a week. Each single-use device delivers one spray of 500 mcg of cyanocobalamin, USP. Unlike the precursor multi-use glass bottle with actuator pump, no priming is required with the new single-use device, which delivers a precise dose upon administration. A carton of four single-use devices provides patients with a convenient one month supply of Nascobal^® and is now available at retail pharmacies. Nascobal^® Nasal Spray is indicated for the maintenance of normal hematologic status in pernicious anemia patients who are in remission following intramuscular vitamin B₁₂ therapy and who have no nervous system involvement. Nascobal^® Nasal Spray is also indicated as a supplement for other vitamin B₁₂ deficiencies. Refer to full prescribing information for Indications and Usage at www.nascobal.com.

The Nascobal^® Nutrition Direct^™ program conveniently provides bariatric surgery patients with the bariatric supplement regimen they require at an affordable price. Following enrollment, Nascobal^® Nutrition Direct^™ delivers an integrated package of supplements, including Nascobal^® Nasal Spray and BariActiv^® Supplements, which are formulated specifically for bariatric patients and are designed to meet the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery nutritional guidelines. In addition to an integrated package of vitamins and minerals, Nascobal^® Nutrition Direct^™ offers home delivery with automatic refills and ongoing specialty pharmacy support services for physicians and patients. For more information on the Nascobal^® Nutrition Direct^™ program, please visit www.nascobal.com.

"Our newly available Nascobal^® single-use device does not require priming, which eliminates product loss. Along with Nascobal^®, we are proud to offer patients Nascobal^® Nutrition Direct^™," said Rick Painter, Senior Vice President, Brand Sales and Marketing. "Following bariatric surgery, Nascobal^® Nutrition Direct^™ allows physicians to help their patients receive lifelong integrated nutritional support as simply as possible," Mr. Painter said.

The new Nascobal^® Nasal Spray single-use device requires no assembly and simplifies the tracking of dose administration. The disposable single-use device is hygienic, portable and has replaced the multi-use product. Par Specialty Pharmaceuticals is continuing the development of new and enhanced versions of Nascobal^® in order to better meet the needs of those patients who rely upon the product.

Important Safety Information About Nascobal^® Nasal Spray
Nascobal^® Nasal Spray is contraindicated in patients with sensitivity to cobalt and/or vitamin B₁₂ or any component of the medication. Patients with pernicious anemia should be instructed that they will require weekly intranasal administration of Nascobal^® Nasal Spray for the remainder of their lives. Failure to do so will result in return of the anemia and in development of incapacitating and irreversible damage to the nerves of the spinal cord. If a patient is not properly maintained, intramuscular vitamin B₁₂ is necessary. Effectiveness in patients with nasal pathology or with other concomitant intranasal drugs has not been determined. Cyanocobalamin causes optic nerve atrophy in patients with Leber's disease. Anaphylaxis and angioedema have been reported with other parenteral vitamin B₁₂ products. Side effects are usually mild and include headache, nausea, and rhinitis. Refer to full prescribing information for Warnings and Precautions at www.nascobal.com.

About Par Pharmaceutical Companies, Inc.
Par is a specialty pharmaceutical company that develops, manufactures and markets safe, innovative and cost-effective pharmaceuticals that help improve patient quality of life. Par Pharmaceutical offers a line of high barrier-to-entry generic drugs, while Par Specialty Pharmaceuticals provides niche, innovative brands. Par Sterile Products develops, manufactures and markets both branded and generic aseptic injectable pharmaceuticals. For press release and other company information, visit www.parpharm.com.

SOURCE Par Pharmaceutical Companies, Inc.