HEALTH

Supermarket pharmacy operators last month received validation for the growing number of diabetes educators and dietary nutritionists walking their aisles. In the Oct. 9 issue of Diabetes Care, the American Diabetes Association recommended all people with diabetes make nutrition therapy a part of their treatment plan.

WASHINGTON — Sanofi-Aventis has sued the Food and Drug Administration to keep its labeling for OTC Nasacort confidential in an effort to delay store brand competition until after the launch, according to an entry in the FDA Law Blog, the official blog of Hyman, Phelps & McNamara, published Thursday. 

BETHLEHEM, Pa. — With more than $7.2 million in sales for the 52 weeks ended Sept. 8, the landmark launch of Orasure Technologies’ OraQuick In-Home HIV test last year was a key driver behind the 11.7% growth in the home-test kit across U.S. multi-outlets, according to IRI. The OraQuick In-Home HIV Test detects antibodies to both HIV-1 and HIV-2 with an oral swab, providing a confidential in-home testing option with results in as little as 20 minutes.

Earlier this year, Walgreens introduced a significant boost to its Steps with Balance Rewards program, enabling users to link wireless activity trackers such as FitBit, Withings and BodyMedia to the aspirational wellness program. Loyalty cardholders who sync with one of these devices get two times the points associated with healthier behaviors — 20 points per mile and 20 points per day for tracking their weight. And each device linked earns 250 points.

ABBOTT PARK, Ill. — Abbott recently introduced a nutrition shake called Glucerna Advance that is formulated for people with diabetes who are seeking additional nutrition and health benefits. The new product helps to minimize blood sugar spikes while supporting heart hearth and the immune system.

Creating a home destination center for diabetic patients stocked with products appropriate to their condition —not only including sugar tablets, gels and liquids, but also nutritional supplements, homeopathic products, skin creams and lotions, oral care solutions, pain relief products and hypoglycemic products — has gained in importance thanks to the price pressures associated with competitive bidding in the diabetes space.

PORTSMOUTH, N.H. — Coolcore on Thursday introduced Dr. Cool Recovery-On-The-Go Wraps at www.drcoolrecovery.com. Dr. Cool Recovery-On-The-Go Wraps combine ice and compression in one flexible wrap, the company stated. 

"Nothing hurts more than being stuck on the couch when you want to be out enjoying your passions," stated Nick Skally, marketing director for Coolcore. "Dr. Cool wraps provide a convenient, life-friendly recovery option for today's active, overscheduled consumers."

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — New Senate legislation introduced Tuesday that would restore consumers’ ability to use pre-tax dollars from flexible spending accounts and health savings accounts to purchase over-the-counter medicines without first seeing a doctor has been jointly endorsed by the National Association of Chain Drug Stores and the National Community Pharmacists Association.