HEALTH

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — Ricola on Tuesday added a new product to its line of uniquely effective herb drops — Extra Strength for powerful cough relief.

Extra Strength contains a blend of 10 natural Swiss Alpine herbs and a soothing syrup center that provides powerful cough relief with natural menthol.

WASHINGTON — Two associations representing the dietary supplement industry issued separate statements in response to what they characterized as a faulty meta-analysis, “Effects of Vitamin D Supplements on Bone Mineral Density: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis,” published last week in The Lancet.

PARIS — Allergy sufferers will have a new treatment option available to them by the spring allergy season. Sanofi on Friday announced that the Food and Drug Administration approved Nasacort Allergy 24HR nasal spray (triamcinolone intranasal) as an over-the-counter treatment for seasonal and year-round nasal allergies in adults and children 2 years of age and older. 

Nasacort is the first and only nasal corticosteroid to be available without a prescription and will be marketed by Sanofi's consumer healthcare division, Chattem.

WASHINGTON — The National Consumers League on Friday launched a national multimedia campaign aimed at educating teens and young adults about the risks of misusing OTC pain medications.

NEW YORK — All people living with diabetes should make nutrition therapy part of their treatment plans, the American Diabetes Association is recommending. But the group also is saying that no single eating pattern works best for everyone.

ORLANDO, Fla. — The National Community Pharmacists Association on Sunday recognized Merck with its 2013 Corporate Recognition Award — the award recognizes a company for its support and work on behalf of independent community pharmacies — during NCPA’s 115th Annual Convention and Trade Exposition.

BRIDGEWATER, N.J. — Matrixx Initiatives recently named Lori Norian VP marketing for the Zicam Cold Remedy brand. 

Norian previously worked at Unilever and has worked on popular products including Hellman’s, Ragu, Bertolli and Altoids. Norian said she believes her experience translates well to the cold remedy brand, which is targeted primarily to women.

“Knowing how to tap into consumers’ needs and develop resonant messaging and communications strategies is the key to driving further growth for Zicam,” Norian said. 

WASHINGTON — USA Today on Monday morning reported two products marketed as dietary supplements in outlets including Walmart.com and GNC have actually been adulterated with a chemical similar to methamphetamine.  

The supplements included Craze, a pre-workout powder sold by Driven Sports, and Gaspari Nutrition's weight loss supplement Detonate.