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Frequently
Asked Questions

To order Elliotts B® Solution Please call 1-855-752-9317
National Drug Code 55792-007-10
Cardinal Health CIN Number 4888046
Amerisource Bergen Item Code 10125710
McKesson Corp Item Number 2022895
  • Indication: Diluent for intrathecal administration of methotrexate sodium and cytarabine for the prevention or treatment of meningeal leukemia or lymphocytic lymphoma
  • Approval Date: FDA Approval — September 27, 1996
  • How Supplied: 10 mL single-use ampules, packaged 10 amps per box and 20 boxes per case
  • National Drug Code: 55792-007-10
  • Shelf-life: 60 months from date of manufacture
  • Storage: Store at controlled room temperature, 20°-25°C (68°C -77°F)
  • A prescription product, available via any licensed pharmaceutical supplier or direct from Lukare Medical, LLC. Please see the chart on the left for the Big 3 wholesalers item numbers
Methotrexate Sodium and Cytarabine reconstituted in Elliotts B® Solution and stored in glass vials with plastic syringes have demonstrated to be physically and chemically stable for at least 48 hours at both 4°C and 23°C.   However, intrathecal administration of such admixtures should be completed within several hours of preparation, as Elliotts B® Solution does not contain any bacteriostatic preservatives and introduction of contaminated solutions into the cerebrospinal fluid may have extremely serious consequences.
Intrathecal drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration. A sterile filter-needle should be used to withdraw the contents of the ampule. A 5 micron needle is sufficient to filter out any glass particles.
Elliotts B® Solution is an FDA approved diluent for the intrathecal administration of methotrexate sodium. Elliotts B® Solution is also indicated as a diluent for intrathecal cytarabine, both for the prevention or treatment of meningeal leukemia or lymphocytic lymphoma. While there are ongoing studies other agents, Elliotts B® solution is FDA approved as a diluent for use with methotrexate sodium and with cytarabine. Any other use of Elliotts B® Solution is experimental, and all caution must be kept to ensure proper use of the product.
Elliotts B® Solution is a buffered salt solution for use as a diluent. The approximate buffer capacity of Elliotts B® Solution is 1.1 x 10-2 equivalents when the challenge solution is 0.01 N HCL and 7.8 x 10-3 equivalents when the challenge solution is 0.01 N NaOH. Elliotts B® Solution was more resistant to change induced by acid or base than other diluents.1
Elliotts B® Solution is the only FDA approved diluent for the administration of methotrexate sodium and cytarabine. Elliotts B® Solution is not artificial CSF. While it matches CSF in glucose, osmolarity, pH, electrolyte contents etc. Elliotts B® Solution lacks the proteins present in human CSF, so it cannot be classified as artificial CSF.
Adverse reactions may occur with any intrathecal administration and may be due to the chemotherapy or technique of intrathecal administration. Intrathecal administration of drugs such as methotrexate sodium and cytarabine should be performed by personnel skilled in the technique of lumbar puncture under the supervision of a physician who is experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents. The labeling for methotrexate sodium and cytarabine should be consulted.
Elliotts B® Solution should only be used if the solution is clear and the ampoule is intact. Elliotts B® Solution should be stored at temperatures between 20° – 25°C (68° – 77°F). Any unused portion should be discarded.
All components of Elliotts B® Solution are normal body constituents. Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with Elliotts B® Solution.
Elliotts B® Solution received FDA Approval in September 1996. Elliotts B® Solution has been used by hospitals throughout the US for decades.
Elliotts B® Solution is available via the three major wholesalers (Cardinal Health, AmerisourceBergen and McKesson). You can also purchase Elliotts B® Solution directly from Lukare Medical, LLC. Please contact our Customer Service at 855-752-9317.

Literature List:

Cancer Facts & Figures 1996. Atlanta, GA: American Cancer Society, Inc.; 1996.

Cradock JC, et al. Evaluation of some pharmaceutical aspects of intrathecal methotrexate sodium, cytarabine and hydrocortisone.

Miller BA, Ries LAG, Hankey BF et al (eds). Cancer Statistics Review: 1973-1990. Bethesda, MD: National Cancer Institute; 1993. National Institutes of Health publication 93-2789.

Geiser CF, Bioshop Y, Jaffe N. Furman L, Traggis D, Frie E. Adverse effects of intrathecal methotrexate in children with acute leukemia in remission. Blood. 1975;45 (2): 189-195.

See monograph reference list for additional references.

WARNINGS: Intrathecal administration of drugs such as methotrexate sodium and cytarabine should be performed by personnel skilled in the technique of lumbar puncture under the supervision of a physician who is experienced in the use of cancer Methotrexate Sodium and Cytarabine agents. The labeling for methotrexate sodium and cytarabine should be consulted.