HEALTH

Next Choice tops emergency contraceptives
PARSIPPANY, N.J. — Actavis last year gained approval for its Next Choice, a generic version of Teva Women’s Health’s Plan B One-Step, that now sits on top in emergency contraceptive sales. For the 52 weeks ended Oct. 6, Next Choice generated $115.2 million fueled by 20.2% growth. Plan B One-Step is ranked No. 2 with $96.4 million in sales, down 10.7%. Earlier this year, the FDA increased access to emergency contraceptives by no longer requiring that they be placed behind the pharmacy counter.
The power of one
As the company completes its 50th year in business and the country awaits a period of change in health care unlike anything seen in at least that time, CVS Caremark executives are quite confident that its unique hybrid structure and its ability to leverage the three core parts of its business — either individually or together, in varying combinations to serve a multitude of needs — aligns more effectively with the long-term trends in health care and puts the company in a unique position at a singular moment in history.

Antacids to drive growth

Heading into 2014, there are a number of growth drivers across the digestives space. There’s the possible switch of Nexium into over-the-counter aisles, brands like Imodium are experiencing a resurgence with their return to the shelves, and Chattem is bringing the venerable Rolaids brand back into the digestives fold.
ILEX sales skyrocket with marketing campaign

NEW YORK — ILEX Consumer Products Group last year launched amid the chaos of Black Friday its “Di-Gel Comfort Zone” — complementary, clean restrooms located in downtown Manhattan to help alleviate some of the discomfort associated with shopping the day after Thanksgiving. In the past year, the antacid, anti-gas combo has rocketed to the No. 5 spot of antacid liquid sales, generating $2.2 million on growth of 19,904.6%.
Trojan samples new lubricants in condom boxes, drives up sales

EWING, N.J. — Church & Dwight’s new Trojan lubricant line has achieved a 7% share of the lubricant category almost straight out of the gate, James Craigie, C&D executive chairman, CEO and interim president of the company’s domestic personal care division, told analysts. With only eight months on the market, C&D’s Crazy Sexy Feel personal lubricants generated $8.9 million in sales, according to IRI for the 52 weeks ended Oct. 6 across total U.S. multi-outlets.
Greater availability of Plan B to boost sales

Sales of OTC female contraceptives ought to be significant in the coming year. Already, the category is up 2.3% to $232.7 million, and that number is expected to go up now that the Food and Drug Administration has approved Teva Women’s Health’s Plan B One-Step (levonorgestrel) without a prescription.
Promo Watch: Creating a balanced approach to store brands
Alka-Seltzer Fruit Chews revive brand

WHIPPANY, N.J. — Thanks in part to the launch of Alka-Seltzer Fruit Chews, the Alka-Seltzer brand has experienced a resurgence within the antacid tablet category. Brand sales are up 422.4% to $7.2 million for the 52 weeks ended Oct. 6, according to IRI data across total U.S. multi-outlets.
Condom companies target younger men

Overall, sales of intimacy health products are down slightly. Sales of condoms are down 2.1% to $382.6 million, according to IRI for the 52 weeks ended Oct. 6 across total U.S. multi-outlets. Personal lubricant sales were similarly down — falling 5.3% to $207.5 million. Only sales of personal massagers were up 5.6%, but on a relatively tiny base of $25.7 million.
New FDA regulations bring lubricant introductions

Sales of personal lubricants were down 5.2% to $207.5 million in sales for the 52 weeks ended Oct. 6, according to IRI across total U.S. multi-outlets. A big part of that decrease is due to new Food and Drug Administration regulations that require lubricant manufacturers to submit a 501k medical device application for approval.