Ten-second injection could move urgent fluid treatment home

People with heart failure or kidney disease can accumulate enough fluid to struggle for breath. When tablets are insufficient, many have needed intravenous furosemide in an emergency department — disruptive care for a recurring problem.

The US Food and Drug Administration has approved MannKind’s Furoscix ReadyFlow, a prescription autoinjector that delivers furosemide under the skin in about ten seconds at home. Trial data published last autumn found comparable urine output and sodium and potassium excretion at six, eight and 12 hours to intravenous treatment. An earlier home device, approved in 2022, took five hours to infuse the same medicine.

The response matters because it could let suitable patients act earlier, avoid some hospital visits and receive a familiar drug in a more convenient form. US availability is expected by the end of August.

The evidence supports equivalent short-term fluid removal, not proof that the device reduces admissions, deaths or costs. It is approved only in the US, requires clinical selection and monitoring, and potent diuretics can disturb hydration and electrolytes. Real-world use will show which patients can manage it safely.

Original reporting: Reuters ↗