OTC product news for pharmacists (September 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.

• CoralActives Moisturizer for Acne-Prone Skin. Ermis Labs has added a Moisturizer for Acne-Prone Skin to its CoralActives Acne Treatment line. Developed for people who want to use a daily moisturizer while continuing to treat their acne, the formulation contains natural elements that fight acne-causing bacteria. Key ingredients are tea-tree oil, a natural antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-infection botanical product; licorice extract, which blocks androgen activity of the sebaceous gland and inhibits lipase-enzyme activity produced by bacteria on the skin’s surface and in pores, thereby decreasing inflammation; copaifera officinalis resin, carapa guaianensis seed oil, and euterpe oleracea pulp oil (extracted from natural products from the rain forest, these 3 ingredients are antioxidants, have an anti-inflammatory effect, and prevent infections); olive-leaf extract, an antioxidant, anti-irritant, and anti-inflammatory botanical that inhibits bacterial growth; and the natural exfoliators glucosamine HCl, algae extract, yeast extract, and urea (useful in renewal of skin cells as well as increased production of hyaluronic acid and collagen).(Coralactives Moisturizer for Acne-Prone Skin)

• Philips Sonicare DiamondClean. The new Philips Sonicare DiamondClean power toothbrush is gentler on teeth and gums than a manual toothbrush, helping to keep teeth stronger and healthier for a longer period. DiamondClean is clinically proven to remove up to 100% more plaque from hard-to-reach places than a manual toothbrush can, improve gum health in 2 weeks, whiten teeth in 1 week, and protect against gum irritation and recession to help reduce sensitivity. DiamondClean offers 5 brushing modes: Clean, White, Polish, Gum Care, and Sensitive. The brush heads have a new diamond-cut shape for more efficient brushing, with 44% more bristles than the standard Philips Sonicare ProResults brush heads. DiamondClean’s inductive technology charges the toothbrush in a sleek glass cup that doubles as a drinking glass and comes with a travel case that allows for easy charging via USB port. (Philips Sonicare DiamondClean)

• Dr. Fresh Barbie Rotary Toothbrush. The new Dr. Fresh Barbie Rotary Toothbrush gives kids their own special power toothbrushes featuring Dr. Fresh’s FireFly light-up timer, which blinks for 2 minutes to entertain kids and keep them brushing for the appropriate time. Besides motivating kids to brush longer, the Barbie Rotary Toothbrush helps them brush better, with its high-speed dual action rotary vibrations that remove more plaque than a manual toothbrush can. Batteries are included; there are no cords or chargers for parents to worry about. (Dr. Fresh Barbie Rotary Toothbrush )

• Carex PostureCARE Wheelchair Cushion. Carex Health Brands has introduced the PostureCARE Wheelchair Cushion to complement its transport chair and wheelchair.

• The new Carex wheelchair cushion contours for a custom fit, with side pockets that automatically inflate to the appropriate level of support for seating comfort. Featuring a machine-washable cover, the wheelchair cushion fits a wheelchair width of 16” to 21”. Designed for people who sit for long periods of time and especially well suited to individuals with diabetes or circulatory problems, Carex’s new wheelchair cushion is a practical device that enhances mobility and brings relief to cramped lower back and legs. (Carex PostureCARE Wheelchair Cushion)

• Nature Made Ultra Omega-3 Fish Oil. Nature Made has added the Ultra Omega-3 Fish Oil 1,400 mg Liquid Softgel to its Fish Oil line. The new product delivers a combination of omega-3 fatty acids in a formula that contains higher concentrations of EPA & DHA, the primary omega-3 fatty acids, for heart-health benefits†. Each enteric-coated softgel delivers 1,400 mg fish oil and 1,000 mg omega-3, along with 647 mg EPA, 278 mg DHA, and 75 mg other omega-3s. Earlier this year, Nature Made introduced the Ultra Omega-3 Mini Fish Oil 500 mg Liquid Softgel, a highly concentrated softgel that is half the size of regular fish-oil supplements. ( Nature Made Ultra Omega-3 Fish Oil)
  †These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

• NexMed USA Hydrocortisone-D NexMed USA, a subsidiary of Apricus Biosciences, Inc., has received FDA clearance to market its OTC anti-itch drug, Hydrocortisone-D. The active ingredient, hydrocortisone, is used to treat itching associated with minor skin irritations, inflammation, and rashes resulting from eczema, insect bites, poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac, soaps, detergents, cosmetics, jewelry, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, and scrapes. It is also used to treat external genital, feminine and anal itching. The new Hydrocortisone-D product combines hydrocortisone with DDAIP, the main ingredient in NexACT, the company’s proprietary drug-delivery technology. NexACT temporarily loosens the tight junctions between skin cells to allow more permeation. As a public company, Apricus cannot yet provide a specific timeline, but suggests that pharmacists could be on the lookout for this product “very soon.” FDA information can be found at http://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/hydrocortisone cream.