HEALTH

ALLEGAN, Mich. — Perrigo has received tentative approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for its abbreviated new drug application to market over-the-counter omeprazole and sodium bicarbonate capsules in the 20-mg/1,100-mg strength, the store-brand equivalent to Merck's Zegerid OTC.

Zegerid OTC (omeprazole and sodium bicarbonate capsules 20 mg/1,100 mg), a proton-pump inhibitor indicated to relieve frequent heartburn, had sales of approximately $42 million through food, drug and mass merchandisers for the lastest 12 months.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — There’s good news for the upcoming holiday selling season. The National Retail Federation said September retail sales — excluding automobiles, gas stations and restaurants — increased 0.4%, seasonally adjusted from August and 2.1% unadjusted year-over-year.

 SILVER SPRING, Md. — The Food and Drug Administration took the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act of 2009 one step closer to being considered by the Supreme Court earlier this week. The FDA recently petitioned the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals to revisit the court's August decision that ruled in favor of the tobacco industry and precluded the FDA from mandating that graphic images depicting the consequences of smoking be placed on all cigarette packaging. 

 SCHAUMBURG, Ill. — According to Nielsen analyses issued Thursday, higher consumer confidence levels, increased impulse buying and consumer intent to spend more could all lead to an upside surprise in 2012 holiday spending. 

For sales in 89 categories across five key departments (food, beverages, alcohol, health/beauty and homecare), Nielsen is forecasting spending for November and December 2012 to reach $98.3 billion. Nielsen expects dollar sales to increase 2.3% and unit sales to remain generally flat (0.1%). 

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT — One of the most common reasons that retailers give for pet-medication programs is that pets are part of the family.

As analyst Debbie Wang of investment firm Morningstar told Drug Store News in April 2012, more empty nesters and young couples putting off having children are driving increases in pet ownership, and with that comes a need for pet healthcare.

 NEW YORK — Nipro Diagnostics' TRUEresult Blood Glucose Meter for the second consecutive year received a “recommended“ rating from Consumer Reports as part of the publication's review of blood glucose meters in its October issue. 

The TRUEresult meter received an “excellent” rating for accuracy and “very good“ for repeatability and convenience. Additionally, the TRUE2go meter rated “very good” for accuracy and repeatability, and “good” for convenience. 

 WASHINGTON — Lansinoh Laboratories on Friday announced the launch of the new Lansinoh Affinity Pro Double Electric Breast Pump, featuring three customizable pumping styles that can help moms maximize milk flow and comfort to enhance breastfeeding success. The new Lansinoh Affinity Pro pump was recognized as a finalist in the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association 2012 Innovation Awards, the company reported. 

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid pharmacists on Long Island in New York state are participating in a diabetes initiative run by health insurer UnitedHealth Group, the two companies said Thursday.

The pharmacists are part of the Diabetes Control Program, itself part of UnitedHealth's Diabetes Prevention and Control Alliance. The program is available to residents of the island enrolled in UnitedHealthcare's employer-sponsored health plans.