HEALTH

SILVER SPRING, Md. — The Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday identified three online products touting "natural" intimacy enhancement that consumers should avoid because they each contain undeclared pharmaceutical ingredients.

The three products include Boost ultra sexual enhancement formula, VMaxx Rx and Firminite.

BRIDGEWATER, N.J. — Amneal Pharmaceuticals is adding blackberry flavoring to a generic diabetes drug following feedback from customers, the company said Wednesday.

Amneal announced the changes to its metformin hydrochloride immediate-release tablets in the 500-mg, 850-mg and 1,000-mg strengths, designed to cover up the smell of metformin.

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. 


MIAMI LAKES, Fla. — Fuse Science on Tuesday announced that it has picked up distribution for its EnerJel product — a topical energy product targeting fitness fanatics — to 200 south Florida pharmacies through a partnership with GAT Trading.

FRISCO, Texas — Summer Soles on Monday announced the launch of five additions to its collection of Softness of Suede insoles that help women keep their feet feeling dry and comfortable during the summer months.

"In summer, all feet sweat, even if you're wearing thongs, sandals or open toed shoes," Summer Soles founder Shannon McLinden said. "These gorgeous and brightly patterned prints keep feet dry for under $10. What's great about these liners is that they are very thin, easy to use and removable."

CHICAGO — MinuteClinic, which is owned by CVS Caremark, announced on Monday that it has joined a coalition of organizations dedicated to raising diabetes awareness among families on Chicago's South Side.

The coalition is working with Perspectives Charter School Calumet Campus to educate, screen, diagnose and, if needed, provide follow-up care to any student diagnosed with pre-diabetes or diabetes.

CARLISLE, Pa. — Giant Food Stores collected nearly 3 tons of unused medications during a nationwide medication take-back day last month, the chain said.

Giant, owned by Dutch supermarket operator Ahold, said it and its Martin's Food Markets banner collected 5,843 lbs of unwanted and expired medications at 43 of its stores during the April 28 take-back event, doubling the amount collected last year.

NEW YORK — New research that will appear in the upcoming issue of the Journal of Marketing Research explores consumer sentiment over the extension of a premium brand outside of its typical category.