OTC product news for pharmacists: August 2011

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 Community Pharmacists’ Report.

• Colgate Total Gum Defense. The new Colgate Total Gum Defense Toothpaste reduces 90% of plaque germs that cause gum problems such as gingivitis; it also helps to prevent cavities, fight tartar, freshen breath, and whiten teeth. As do other products in the Colgate Total line, Total Gum Defense fights germs for 12 hours. This product will be of particular interest to patients who have diabetes or are at high risk of receiving a diabetes diagnosis. Emerging research suggests that poorly controlled glucose levels can lead to serious gum disease. At the same time, gum disease may have the potential to affect blood glucose control and contribute to the progression of diabetes. (Colgate Total Gum Defense)

• Nature Made Vitamin D. With vitamin D cited in more than 3,000 PubMed journal articles just in the past year, it’s not surprising to see the vitamin discussed in print and on talk shows on what seems a daily basis. It’s even less surprising to discover that vitamin D has been the fastest growing segment in the Vitamin-Mineral-Supplement market since 2010. With scientific evidence increasingly pointing to the importance of vitamin D, Nature Made has added several new items to its vitamin D product line. Nature Made Super D₃ Complex Softgel (90ct) is a new formulation that supports the health of teeth, bones, muscles, breasts, prostates, and colons, and includes magnesium and antioxidants for immune health.* Also new is Nature Made Vitamin D₃ 1,000 IU Chewable Tablet (120ct), grape-flavored for those who have difficulty swallowing pills. Nature Made Vitamin D₃ + C + Zinc Tablet (90ct) offers a unique combination of vitamin D₃, vitamin C, and zinc, helping to support healthy bones, teeth and immune health.* It’s an option for consumers who are interested in a more robust immunity formula. The company notes that D₃ is “the body’s preferred form of vitamin D.” (Nature Made Vitamin D products)

• Luden’s Orange Supplement Drops. The 130-year-old Luden’s throat drop brand is expanding its line to include new Orange Supplement Drops. Unlike traditional Luden’s drops, the new offering has been reformulated to contain real orange juice and provide 100% of the recommended daily value of Vitamin C. Luden’s Throat Drops are available in bags of 25 individually wrapped drops. (Ludens)

• Emergen-C Kidz. Alacer Corp. has introduced Emergen-C Kidz vitamin drink mixes, offering all the fun and fizzy goodness of the original Emergen-C, but specially formulated for kids and without artificial flavors or sweeteners. Each packet fizzes in water to provide 250 mg of vitamin C, plus zinc, quercetin, and other antioxidants for immune system support; 5 B vitamins that play a key role in metabolism for energy; and essential minerals and electrolytes to help active kids stay healthy.* For every box of Emergen-C Kidz sold, 25 cents will be donated to Vitamin Angels, a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing childhood mortality worldwide by providing vital nutrients to infants and children under the age of five. Each 25-cent donation can help save a life by providing these essential nutrients to one child for one year. Emergen-C Kidz will be available in three kid-tested, fruit flavors: Fruit Punch, Orange, and Grape. (Emergen-C)

• CoralActives Acne Treatment Bar. Ermis Labs, makers of the CoralActives Acne Treatment, have formulated a 10% Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Treatment Bar to address acne on the chest, back, shoulders, and buttocks. According to the company, one-third of all people who suffer with acne on their face also have it on their body. The Acne Treatment Bar formulation includes a mix of vitamins A and E, coconut oil, and shea butter. Benzoyl peroxide kills bacteria. Vitamin A keeps skin and mucous membrane cells healthy. Vitamin E protects skin cells from ultraviolet light, pollution, drugs, and other elements that produce free radicals that damage cells. Coconut oil contains lauric acid, a nutrient that supports the body’s normal functional response to bacteria and viruses. Shea butter moisturizes the skin and helps with eczema, acne blemishes, rashes, dermatitis, and other skin disorders. (CoralActives)

• Philips Sonicare AirFloss. With its new AirFloss flossing device, Philips Sonicare has expanded its product portfolio beyond power toothbrushing for the first time. Philips Sonicare AirFloss is a breakthrough interproximal cleaning device that effectively cleans between teeth using microbursts of air and water droplets that remove more plaque than does brushing alone, and without the hassle and mess of string floss. The microburst is directed using a nozzle guidance tip that ensures targeted cleaning between teeth, and the point-and-click one-button operation cleans the entire mouth with less than one teaspoon of water in less than a minute. It has an ergonomically designed handle and angled nozzle to access all areas of the mouth and its cordless, rechargeable handle fits on the same charger as the Sonicare FlexCare+. (Philips Sonicare)

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.