Allergy

Last year, Drug Store News projected that GSK Consumer Healthcare’s Flonase allergy franchise would be challenged with the introduction of two new nasal corticosteroids to the market — McNeil Consumer’s Rhinocort and Bayer’s ClariSpray.

(To view the full Cough-Cold Report, click here.)

BRIDGEWATER, N.J. — Sanofi announced Wednesday that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Xyzal Allergy 24HR as an over-the-counter treatment for the relief of symptoms associated with seasonal and year-round allergies. Specifically, two formulations of Xyzal are now approved for OTC use – 5 mg tablets for ages 6 years and older, as well as 0.5 mg/mL oral solution for ages 2 years and older.

WASHINGTON  — The Consumer Healthcare Products Association on Thursday released the results of a recent poll of registered voters in Michigan showing they are strongly opposed to legislation that would require a prescription for over-the-counter cold and allergy medicines containing pseudoephedrine.

LAS VEGAS  — Dave Challis, RB VP innovation, is bringing RB's Healthier Tomorrow Challenge to CES through Indiegogo in an effort to bring to bear RB's industry expertise, business connections and mentorship to the kind of technology innovators eager to create the next industry disruptor.

NEW YORK — Leave it to the experts on matters of health, but on all other matters trust your spouse. That was the result of Reader's Digest second annual Trusted Brand Survey, which identified CVS Health as America's most-trusted drug store, Walmart as America's most-trusted mass merchandiser and Pharmavite's Nature Made brand as America's most-trusted nutritional supplement.

CINCINNATI - Procter & Gamble on Wednesday announced the relaunch and expansion of its Sinex brand, a complete line of over-the-counter medications designed for consumers who suffer from sinus symptoms. With the relaunch, “The Clear Your Head Medicine” enters a misunderstood category to offer consumers a clear choice for their nasal congestion and pressure relief, regardless of whether symptoms are due to allergies, colds or other triggers.

The allergy space will continue to heat up significantly in 2017 as marketers pollinate the airwaves with advertisements promoting their latest brand introductions. GSK Consumer Healthcare will have its hands full defending the Flonase franchise, now the No. 1 allergy remedy on the market. Not only is there another nasal corticosteroid on the market — McNeil Consumer’s Rhinocort launched earlier this year — but Flonase faces increasing private-label and brand competition.