Innovative OTCs coming to a pharmacy near you

Vitamins that are personalized by patients' genetic makeup. Home tests to identify vaginal infections. Refreshers for underarms. If you think these are ideas for products way off in the future, you're wrong, since they're here already.

Here's a look at some of these novel items hitting pharmacy shelves:

GenSpec products include individual vitamin supplements and weight loss supplements for the African-American, Hispanic, and Caucasian male and female. There is also a Metabolic Booster and a Toxin Cleanse. The suggested retail prices of the line range from $15.00 to $29.95.

The company is planning to add formulations for other ethnicities, including a vitamin supplement formulated for Asians.

Del Laboratories just introduced TheraPause Hot Flash Cool Down Strips and TheraPause Personal Lubricant Comfort Foam. The strips are clear and are intended to be worn on the back of the neck. The product is supposed to help provide relief from hot flashes and night sweats. The foam contains aloe and vitamin E and is said to relieve vaginal dryness. The suggested retail price of the strips is $9.99; the foam sells for $6.99.

For consumers who are looking for a product to relieve their pain so that they can sleep at night, Wyeth is launching Advil PM Liqui-Gels, an ibuprofen/sleep aid combo.

Kaprex is making its debut from Metagenics. The dietary supplement is supposed to provide natural joint relief that's easy on the gastrointestinal tract. Ingredients include luduxin, oleanolic acid, and rosemary.

Chattem is rolling out an unusual product for pain relief: Icy Hot Pro-Therapy support and pain relief system. What is unique about this item is that it has hot inserts to relax away pain and stiffness and cold inserts to help reduce inflammation.

Another innovative OTC is Fire Fly MouthSwoosh Anti-Cavity FluorideRinse. Making its debut from Dr. Fresh, the pink-colored and bubble-gum-flavored mouth rinse is sugar- and alcohol-free. The product is supposed to boost protection against cavities and strengthen tooth enamel.

MouthSwoosh is recommended for children six years and older. The company states it should be used under adult supervision once daily after brushing with a fluoride toothpaste. The product has a suggested retail price of $4.99.