Everywhere we turn today, we hear news about the “opioid” crisis; lives have been impacted throughout the U.S. and North America as some who’ve taken opioids for pain management have become addicted, while others get their “fix” on the streets. Recently in pharma news, it was announced that Takeda Pharmaceuticals International AG will use an e-Lockout device that essentially limits the number of doses a patient can take within a 24-hour period.

The packaging is designed for use with nasal opioids, specifically Instanyl, which is a spray designed for adult cancer patients who experience breakthrough pain. The e-Lockout device is from Aptar Pharma, and is manufactured in Europe, where the Instanyl DoseGuard will launch first. The device can be configured for 10, 20, or 40 doses in various strengths.

The e-Lockout device is the first electronic nasal lockout device approved by the EMA (European Medicines Agency) according to Aptar Pharma, whose VP of Sales says the electronic component of the device controls unlocking, while locking is accomplished mechanically.

Patients prescribed Instanyl DoseGuard will be able to use the nasal opioid a maximum of four times per day for breakthrough pain episodes, with two doses per episode within an hour’s time being the limit before the device locks automatically. Patients will be able to keep up with how many doses remain and when the device will unlock through an electronic display. A child-resistant cap is also provided with the Instanyl DoseGuard package.

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