Allergy

Consumers are increasingly turning to OTCs to treat their conditions, including both acute, episodic conditions like the common cold and such chronic conditions as frequent pain and allergy. However, the extent to which OTCs are used varies by condition, according to an online survey of more than 900 AccentHealth viewers conducted in September. Headache sufferers reported using OTC medications most often (89%), while sufferers of certain digestive disorders use OTCs less often (53%).

To see more Patient Views, click here.

The November/December 2012 Cough, Cold and Flu Ingredient Guide breaks down the indication, ingredients, purpose and dosage of Mucinex, Vicks, Advil, Theraflu, Delsym, St. Joseph, Hyland's Similasan and Zicam products.

Click here for the complete guide.

MENTOR, Ohio — A recent WorkPlace Media survey of working consumers found that 3-out-of-4 workers impacted by allergies purchase an allergy-relieving product when symptoms appear, because the normal pattern when allergy symptoms strike is to keep working versus going home sick. 

In contrast to the most recent cough-cold season, which was characterized by a relative lack of upper respiratory illnesses, pharmacy shoppers with itchy eyes, runny noses and audible sneezes have been back in force this spring in search of allergy relief. And those patients are gravitating toward the OTC aisle for their seasonal allergy needs now that the last of the second-generation antihistamines was made available without a prescription a year ago. 


Optics Laboratory recently kicked off a new consumer campaign in support of its OcuFresh Eye Wash product. The product, which helps flush eye irritants like pollen, dust and smoke without perservatives, will be featured across the “Mommy Blog” circuit.


BASKING RIDGE, N.J. — A company that makes an emergency treatment for severe allergic reactions is marking the 15th annual Food Allergy Awareness Week.

Mylan Specialty, a division of drug maker Mylan, said it would support various initiatives to raise awareness of life-threatening food allergies during the special week, which started Sunday and ends Saturday. Mylan Specialty is the maker of EpiPen (epinephrine), used to treat anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction that can occur quickly and without warning.

FORT WASHINGTON, Pa. — McNeil Consumer Healthcare, the maker of Zyrtec, on Wednesday announced that actress Kate Walsh and beauty expert Rebekah George will address "allergy face" — the beauty challenges that can come along with typical allergy symptoms — during a live webcast April 10 at 8 p.m. EST on Ustream, a live interactive broadcast platform.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid is offering new coupon booklets and other services to help customers make it through allergy season, the retail pharmacy chain said Thursday.