OTC Product News

In this section we showcase products and product news that ran up against space limitations or fell outside the parameters of recently featured categories in the print edition. Look for more OTC Product News in upcoming issues of the Drug Topics e-newsletter.

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Xlear Nasal Spray. The recently
introduced Xlear (pronounced “clear”) Nasal Spray and Kids XlearNasal Spray mix the properties of xylitol with the health-promoting use of saline nasal spray to wash, hydrate, and moisturize the nasal passages as well as to aid the body’s natural cleansing process. Xylitol, a naturally occurring 5-carbon sugar alcohol found in fruits and vegetables and produced in small amounts by the human body, has been shown in clinical studies to be effective in relieving nasal discomfort. The sprays help to clean out the bacteria and particles that can lead to colds, ear infections, sinusitis, or the flu. The Kids Xlear Nasal Spray is suitable for all ages. The adult version of Xlear Nasal Spray is also available in an easy-to-inhale Pump-Mist dispenser. (http://xlear.com)

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ACT Total Care Dry Mouth. In addition to relieving
dry mouth and moisturizing mouth tissue, Chattem’s new ACT Total Care Anticavity Fluoride Dry Mouth prevents cavities, strengthens enamel, kills bad-breath germs, and tastes good with a mint flavor. Dry mouth (known as xerostomia) affects 10% of all adults and 25% of those over 65. Leading causes include medication use, autoimmune diseases, and head/neck radiation treatment. ACT Total Care Dry Mouth is alcohol-free. (http://www.actfluoride.com/act-dry-mouth.html)

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St. Joseph Aspirin. The iconic
St. Joseph Aspirinbrand is being relaunched.ILEX Consumer Products Group, which purchased the low-dose aspirin brand from its previous owners in January, has been making a series of changes designed to benefit retailers and consumers alike. The new packaging allows the 200- and 300-count sizes to be merchandised in a traditional horizontal position and a new vertical position – which decreases the shelf imprint by nearly half, increasing the potential sales per linear foot. The new packaging has been significantly upgraded and is treated with a high-varnish finish and foil printing to help create shelf interruption. The bottles also have been changed to 36-, 120-, 200- and 300-counts (from 36, 100, 180 and 300) to make it easier for consumers to compare. The pills retain their traditional orange color, but now offer a new embossed enteric-safety coated pill along with a chewable pill option. (http://www.stjosephaspirin.com/)

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Safetussin PM. Kramer
Consumer Healthcare, a small OTC pharma company founded almost 50 years ago by a Cuban immigrant, has added Safetussin PM to its “pure and simple” cough-relief line. Free of sugars, dyes, alcohol, gluten, and decongestant, the new PM product is safe for diabetics, people with high blood pressure, and anyone who wants overnight cough relief. Safetussin PM contains dextromethorphan for 6–8 hours of cough relief and doxylamine to relieve sneezing and runny nose. Appropriate for adults and children 12 years and over; a dose is 4 teaspoons every 6 hours. (http://www.safetussin.com)

• CoralActives Acne Treatment. CoralActives is a 2-step, once-a-day acne treatment developed by Ermis Labs to model the first course of treatment provided by a dermatologist. In place of the typical 3 dermatology prescription-drug treatments, CoralActives uses just 2 OTC products - CoralActives Retinol Exfoliating Cleanser and CoralActives Penetrating Acne Serum Gel. The cleanser uses a high-grade encapsulated retinol, microbeads, and Sea Whip Extract - a renewable, natural anti-inflammatory - and can be used on all skin types, including sensitive skin. Users wash with the cleanser for 20–30 seconds. A 6% benzoyl peroxide in the acne serum gel kills the bacteria that cause acne, while the Sea Whip Coral reduces the redness and inflammation. Additional ingredients attract moisture from the air and keep it on the skin. The gel is applied to affected areas following cleansing. CoralActives acne products were initially available only on the web and in selected spas around the country, but the company is now offering them to independent pharmacy chains. (http://www.coralactives.com/)

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LAVI Allergy & Sinus Care
Products. TriCord Pharmaceuticals has introduced the LAVI lineof Dead Sea salt allergy and sinus-care products. LAVI Ready to Use Sinus Wash and LAVI Nasal Spray, the line’s initial items, offer the only natural allergy and sinus-care products made from purified Dead Sea salts, unique in mineral composition and concentration. The Dead Sea formula has been proven in Level 1 clinical studies to be more effective than other saline solutions. It is as effective as topical nasal steroids in shrinking swollen sinus passages but without the negative side effects. LAVI Sinus Wash rinses away allergens, germs, and pollutants that cause allergy symptoms and upper respiratory illnesses. LAVI Nasal Spray helps prevent and treat allergy symptoms, runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion, swelling, postnasal drip, itchy nose, recurrent sinus infections, and chronic sinusitis. LAVI Sinus Solutions are natural, nonaddictive, and nonmedicated, and have no harmful side-effects. They are safe for use by infants, children, pregnant or nursing mothers, and the elderly, as well as by patients on prescription or other medicated drug regimens. (http://www.lavimed.com/)