HEALTH

In contrast to the most recent cough-cold season, which was characterized by a relative lack of upper respiratory illnesses, pharmacy shoppers with itchy eyes, runny noses and audible sneezes have been back in force this spring in search of allergy relief. And those patients are gravitating toward the OTC aisle for their seasonal allergy needs now that the last of the second-generation antihistamines was made available without a prescription a year ago. 


It’s been more than 200 years since the first successful test of a vaccine against smallpox, and since then, vaccines have become one of the most important means of preventing and eradicating infectious diseases, ranging from minor ailments like the flu to devastating ones like polio.


Optics Laboratory recently kicked off a new consumer campaign in support of its OcuFresh Eye Wash product. The product, which helps flush eye irritants like pollen, dust and smoke without perservatives, will be featured across the “Mommy Blog” circuit.


ABBOTT PARK, Ill. — Abbott on Wednesday launched PediaSure SideKicks Clear, a clear nutritional beverage that helps balance out the diet of picky eaters who may be missing nutrients. Moms also can have peace of mind knowing that their picky eaters are receiving a source of protein and 19 vitamins and minerals, the company said.

BETHLEHEM, Pa. — OraSure Technologies on Tuesday announced that the Food and Drug Administration's Blood Products Advisory Committee recommended that the OraQuick In-Home HIV test be made available without a prescription.

“There was broad support expressed by the HIV community at [the] meeting, and we look forward to continuing our work with them in the fight against HIV," stated OraSure president and CEO Douglas Michels. "We believe the OraQuick In-Home HIV Test will make a valuable contribution in this fight.”

At first blush, there appears to be nothing special about Dollar General’s first Southern California store in the suburb of Montclair. It occupies about 7,500 sq. ft. of space in an aging strip center, and a small banner hung on the exterior beckons to passing motorists and pedestrians, “Now Open.” Inside, more signs explain the bare-bones merchandising of familiar brands to shoppers unfamiliar with the Dollar General value proposition.

Medication nonadherence costs the U.S. healthcare system about $290 billion per year, according to New England Healthcare Institute. That big and scary number — the kind whose sheer enormity can make one’s eyes glaze over — is now even bigger.


For those marketers staying awake at night thinking about new ways to drive category growth, Biotab Nutraceuticals may have happened upon a new opportunity — seasonality in sleep aids. 


“Twice each year, [daylight savings time changes] have an impact on a person’s internal clock,” said Biotab chief marketing officer Robert Wilhovsky, who markets Alteril. So in the week following a clock change, sales of sleep aids spike, he said.