DIURETICS IN HF — Diuretics can reduce fluid retention in patients with HF, but their effect on survival is unclear. Loop diuretics such as furosemide, bumetanide, and torsemide are more effective than thiazide-type diuretics, such as hydrochlorothiazide, for this indication. Intravenous administration of loop diuretics is often used to achieve rapid diuresis in acute decompensation or to overcome diuretic resistance.1

EFFICACY AND SAFETY — FDA approval of the of the new formulation was based on the results of a study demonstrating that the bioavailability of Furoscix (30 mg SC infusion over 1 hour, followed by 12.5 mg/hour for the next 4 hours) was 99.6% relative to IV furosemide (two 40-mg bolus doses separated by 2 hours) and that it produced equivalent diuresis.2 The most common adverse effects with the SC infusion were administrationsite erythema, bruising, edema, and pain.

An unpublished trial (FREEDOM-HF) in 24 patients presenting to the emergency department with worsening NYHA Class II or III HF compared outpatient use of Furoscix to hospital admission for IV diuresis in 66 matched controls. According to the manufacturer, no patients in the Furoscix group required an initial heart failure hospital admission and 96% of Furoscix-treated patients remained out of the hospital for 30 days after treatment. HF-associated healthcare costs were significantly lower in the Furoscix group.3

DOSAGE, ADMINISTRATION, AND COST — Furoscix should not be used for emergency situations or in patients with acute pulmonary edema. It is also not indicated for chronic use; patients should be switched to oral diuretic therapy as soon as practical.

Furoscix is supplied as a single-use, subcutaneous on-body infusor copackaged with a prefilled cartridge containing an 80 mg/10 mL pH neutral solution of furosemide. The device is pre-programmed to deliver a total of 80 mg of furosemide (30 mg over the first hour, followed by 12.5 mg per hour for the subsequent 4 hours).

After loading the prefilled cartridge into the infusor, the patient should place the device on an area of clean, dry skin on either side of the navel. Pressing the start button on the infusor initiates the subcutaneous infusion. Activity should be limited for the duration of the infusion. The on-body infusor should be kept dry and should not be used within 12 inches of mobile phones, tablets, computers, or wireless accessories. The approximate cost for one on-body infusor and prefilled cartridge is $822.4