HEALTH

ORLANDO, Fla. — According to an independent research firm, a recent pilot program to address awareness of the dangers of prescription drug abuse in teens showed 75% of all respondents were more aware of the dangers of misusing and abusing prescription drugs after participating in the educational program.

DENVER — UrgentRx on Tuesday announced that the company has closed an additional $2.5 million in Series B funding, led by current investors as well as attracting new capital. The additional funding brings the company’s total funding to date to more than $7 million.

These are the days of the empowered patient — the patient who asks questions; who wants to know about how to prevent the diseases that ailed their parents or how to live more successfully with the conditions they have; and who seeks and finds health information from doctors, nurses, magazines and most especially from the teeming trove of online health sites.

LANDOVER, Md. — Extreme weather patterns may contribute to a severe and long allergy season this spring, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. The AAFA projects an increased potential for severe and prolonged allergy symptoms as spring arrives early, and as many regions of the country recover from severe storms and flooding.

MADISON, N.J. — The Natural Dentist has launched “Rinse for Relief,” an online resource for proper oral care aimed at cancer patients suffering from mouth sores and other oral ailments, the fourth most common side effect of chemotherapy treatments. The initiative included the unveiling of RinseForRelief.com and a giveaway of one free sample of Healthy Gums Mouth Rinse, an all-natural product that works as an effective daily cleanser and helps prevent and reduce gum bleeding and inflammation.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid is offering free allergy screenings, information and a range of products as the allergy season approaches, the retail pharmacy chain said Tuesday.

ISELIN, N.J. — The makers of LifeStyles condoms today announced the release of the new Turbo condom. The Turbo condom is lubricated inside and out with LifeStyles' proprietary Excite gel.

ALLEGAN, Mich. — Perrigo Co. has completed its acquisition of a Pennsylvania-based animal health company, the drug maker said Monday.

Perrigo announced that it has closed its purchase of Yardley, Pa.-based Velcera for about $160 million. The company makes OTC products for pets, specializing in products traditionally dispensed only by veterinarians. Its products include PetArmor, a flea and tick repellent that had sales of more than $100 million last year.