Fera Pharmaceuticals launches Garamycin Ophthalmic Ointment

Fera Pharmaceuticals announced the launch today of preservative free Garamycin (gentamicin sulfate) Ophthalmic Ointment USP.

“Garamycin is a brand name physicians have relied on for years to treat various ocular bacterial infections. So when we had the opportunity to bring this trusted brand back, we did. And the fact that it's preservative free, is just another reason why it should become the gentamicin of choice.”

Providing an alternate gentamicin formulation, without preservatives, was an unmet need Fera was glad to fill. When Erythromycin Ophthalmic Ointment was in short supply in 2009, the CDC recommended the use of another brand of gentamicin ophthalmic ointment that contains preservatives, as an alternative treatment for the prophylaxis of ophthalmia neonatorum. Following its use in newborns, the FDA received several reports of cases involving lid swelling and dermatitis, appearing soon after or a few days after ointment application. Most cases had been mild and did not require additional treatment; however, some cases were more severe and were associated with blistering of the skin.

"Garamycin is a brand name physicians have relied on for years to treat various ocular bacterial infections. So when we had the opportunity to bring this trusted brand back, we did. And the fact that it's preservative free, is just another reason why it should become the gentamicin of choice." says Craig Salmon, VP of Sales at Fera.