OTC Pain

WHIPPANY, N.J.— Bayer last week announced its decision to reformulate certain Alka-Seltzer effervescent products to remove the pain reliever, and related indications, in order to focus exclusively on occasional heartburn and upset stomach relief. 

"The reformulation is based on the consumer trend moving toward single indication products [treating] upset stomach and heartburn," Andre Schmidt, U.S. medical affairs VP for Bayer Consumer Health, told Drug Store News, and not over any concerns of safety, he added.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Quadrabloc, a wearable device for the management of pain and discomfort associated with activity and aging, is now available for chronic pain sufferers and weekend warriors, the company announced Thursday. With the commercial release of Quadrabloc by Gradient Medical consumers have an effective treatment option for pain that does not require a prescription from a medical professional.

The graying of the baby boomers, an increased focus on supplementing healthier lifestyles and the steady stream of nasal corticosteroid brands making their way from prescription-only to the more value-oriented OTC aisle were just three significant drivers behind the growth of over-the-counter medicines in 2016.

(To view the full Category Review, click here.)

FREDERICK, Md. — BioElectronics has initiated retail sales of both its Smart Insole heel pain product and its ActiPatch musculoskeletal knee pain device, the company announced Thursday.

The Smart Insole is an excellent and matchless healing product for heel pain sufferers. The product is the perfect innovation for people required to stand or walk daily.

WASHINGTON — A nationwide survey conducted by the Consumer Healthcare Products Association Educational Foundation released Thursday shows a positive trend over the past six years: more people than ever are aware of how to use products containing acetaminophen safely and effectively, while avoiding the risks of accidental overdose and liver damage.

COLD SPRING HARBOR, N.Y. — Cirrus Healthcare Products on Thursday announced their latest patent-pending product, MigraineX will be available in CVS stores beginning March 31.

LAS VEGAS  — Dave Challis, RB VP innovation, is bringing RB's Healthier Tomorrow Challenge to CES through Indiegogo in an effort to bring to bear RB's industry expertise, business connections and mentorship to the kind of technology innovators eager to create the next industry disruptor.