HEALTH

PITTSBURGH — In partnership with Bayer Healthcare Diabetes Care and Novo Nordisk, Giant Eagle is offering its customers free in-store diabetes screenings.

Offerings include A1C tests to measure blood-glucose levels, as well as consultations with Giant Eagle diabetes and pharmaceutical care specialists. The retailer also will have dietitians and wellness coaches on hand at select locations.

Testing is available through Feb. 5, while supplies last.

PITTSBURGH — Colin Mackenzie has been appointed the new president of GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare North America. Mackenzie succeeds Roger Scarlett-Smith, who is relocating to London to become president of GSK Consumer Healthcare Europe.

Mackenzie has been directing the U.S. oral care business since 2007. Under the leadership of MacKenzie, the business accelerated its net sales growth rate, acquired the leading dry mouth product, Biotene, in 2008, and claimed the No. 1 toothpaste SKU in the United States (Sensodyne Extra Whitening).

NEW YORK — Personal care brand Eos has announced the launch of its new tangerine medicated anti-bacterial Lip Balm Smooth Sphere.

The medicated lip balm is 95% natural and provides antibacterial protection through the natural active ingredient phenol, the company stated. The lip balm promises to not only help soothe dry lips and prevent the spread of germs, but also alleviate the symptoms of cold sores.

PITTSBURGH — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a generic diabetes drug made by Mylan, the drug maker said Tuesday.

Mylan announced the approval of acarbose tablets in the 25-mg, 50-mg and 100-mg strengths. The drug is a version of Bayer’s Precose, used with diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with Type 2 diabetes.

The drug had sales of around $23 million during the 12-month period ended in September, according to IMS Health.

LONDON — Drug maker GlaxoSmithKline will take a legal charge of $3.4 billion related to its promotion of a controversial diabetes drug.

The British company said the charge related to an investigation by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado regarding sales and promotion of the drug Avandia (rosiglitazone) in spite of reports of the risk of heart attacks in patients taking it.

BETHLEHEM, Pa. — B. Braun has launched its Prontosan wound management gel — a product used in the healthcare setting for cleaning wounds, as well as moistening and lubricating absorbent wound dressings — for over-the-counter use.

The ready-to-use gel contains PHMB and betaine, the surfactant for the cleansing and moistening of wounds. Its nontoxic and biocompatible formula also offers excellent skin tolerance, the company said.

NEW YORK — A new study published in BioMed Central's open-access journal, Reproductive Health, found that essential fatty acids may reduce premenstrual syndrome symptoms among women.

MINNEAPOLIS — J.R. Watkins Naturals on Thursday announced it has earned the Natural Seal from the Natural Products Association for its line of home care products. J.R. Watkins Naturals is among the first brands to earn the certification; shoppers can expect to see the seal on J.R. Watkins Naturals products as soon as next month.