Retail Clinics

INDIANAPOLIS — Locating retail health clinics and urgent care centers just got easier for patients seeking nonemergency care when their regular doctors are not available, thanks to an emergency room program and education campaign that incorporates Google Maps launched by WellPoint's affiliated health plans.

HYDERABAD, India — Generic drug maker Dr. Reddy’s Labs has launched its version of a popular antibiotic.

The company said its levofloxacin tablets in the 250-mg, 500-mg and 750-mg strengths have entered the market, following the Food and Drug Administration's approval of Dr. Reddy's abbreviated new drug application. Dr. Reddy's levofloxacin tablets in the 250-mg and 500-mg strengths are available in 50-count bottles, while the 750-mg strength bottle is available in 30-count bottles.

WASHINGTON — The Department of Health and Human Services’ National Diabetes Education Program has unveiled a series of videos designed to help people make lifestyle changes and cope with the demands of diabetes.

AUSTIN, Texas — Genesis Today on Tuesday launched its GenEssentials Greens, a concentrated vegan supplement with more than 75 plant-based ingredients.

According to the company, one serving of GenEssentials Greens delivers the phytonutrients of up to five servings of dark leafy green vegetables and 173 other nutrients. The formula delivers more than 25 billion live probiotics per serving, which break down toxins and support a healthy digestive tract.

SILVER SPRING, Md. — The Food and Drug Administration Tuesday approved the first generic versions of an antibiotic designed to treat certain infections in people ages 18 years and older.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Elisa Technologies recently announced that its EZ Gluten test kit has earned Performance-Tested Methods certification from the AOAC Research Institute, a private, not-for-profit association that helps establish testing standards.

EZ Gluten was developed to help the food industry and consumers detect gluten in food and beverages, and delivers results in about 15 minutes. The kit is sensitive enough to detect levels of gluten as low as 10 parts per million.

WASHINGTON — The Department of Health and Human Services on Tuesday morning unveiled the nine graphic health warnings mandated by the Food and Drug Administration to appear on every pack of cigarettes sold in the United States and in every cigarette advertisement.

The warnings represent the most significant changes to cigarette labels in more than 25 years and will affect everything from packaging to advertisements. The warnings are required to be placed on all cigarette packs, cartons and ads no later than September 2012.

NEW YORK — A new study recently estimated that 5.9 million children in the United States suffer from a food allergy.

The study, published in the July issue of Pediatrics, also found that children with a tree nut or peanut allergy tend to have the most severe reactions, with nearly 39% of children ages 18 years and younger surveyed saying they had a severe or life-threatening allergy. Additionally, more than 30% of children surveyed said they suffered from multiple food allergies.

The study was funded by the Food Allergy Initiative.