HEALTH

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.

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.

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.

Probiotics have continued to rake in sales this fall, and it’s a product category that still has plenty of growth potential. According to a survey by Procter & Gamble, 53% of women still don’t know what probiotics are, but 74% are interested in how their digestive system works.

(For the full category review, including sales data, click here.)

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Core Science Medica has targeted consumers in need of a gluten-free lifestyle with its launch of Gluten Cutter, a dietary supplement to help gluten-sensitive consumers occasionally enjoy their favorite foods again. The supplement contains GCX50, a proprietary blend of enzymes, along with licorice, peppermint and ginger. The complex is designed to target and break down gluten, support intestinal health during gluten exposure and aid digestion.

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.

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.

ATLANTA — This year's influenza virus is beginning its prominence in the South, as Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas reported high influenza-like illness activity, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Friday. 

Oklahoma reported moderate ILI activity. 

For those who got a flu shot this year, so far they appear to be well protected. 

CDC has antigenically characterized 317 influenza viruses, including 265 2009 H1N1 viruses, 46 influenza A (H3N2) viruses and 6 influenza B viruses since Oct. 1.