Content about Allergology

WHITEHOUSE STATION, N.J. — Drug maker Merck is seeking regulatory approval for an experimental tablet placed under the tongue that could be used to treat ragweed allergies.

Merck said the Food and Drug Administration accepted a regulatory application for its ragweed pollen sublingual allergy immunotherapy tablet. Ragweed, also known as Ambrosia artemisiifolia, is a major cause of seasonal allergies in the United States. Merck also submitted an application for a similar drug, for Timothy grass pollen allergies, in March.

The March/April 2013 Allergy Relief Ingredient Guide breaks down the indication, ingredients, purpose and dosage of Claritin-D, Allegra-D, Zyrtec-D, Benadryl-D, Advil Allergy and Congestion Relief, UrgentRx Allergy Attack, Hyland's Seasonal Allergy Relief, Similasan's Nasal Allergy Relief and Boiron's Sabadil.

LANDOVER, Md. — Extreme weather patterns may contribute to a severe and long allergy season this spring, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. The AAFA projects an increased potential for severe and prolonged allergy symptoms as spring arrives early, and as many regions of the country recover from severe storms and flooding.

As spring approaches, people with allergies can blame global warming for some of their suffering, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Weather conditions have a significant effect on the levels of pollen and mold in the air, which affects the severity of allergies.

That suggests mold allergens could be particularly prominent this spring given the extent of drought across the United States — dry and hot weather lifts molds from the soil to be carried by the air. In addition to tree pollen, springtime mold contributes to hay fever.

NEW YORK — WebMD Health Corp. on Tuesday launched the WebMD Allergy app for the iPhone, a mobile resource that empowers consumers to take control of their allergies. 

"The WebMD Allergy app provides consumers with accurate and personalized weather-related allergy information to help them proactively manage their allergy conditions," stated Michael Smith, WebMD chief medical editor. "WebMD's trusted allergy information is delivered through an innovative mobile app to help consumers be better prepared to face the day."

The November/December 2012 Cough, Cold and Flu Ingredient Guide breaks down the indication, ingredients, purpose and dosage of Mucinex, Vicks, Advil, Theraflu, Delsym, St. Joseph, Hyland's Similasan and Zicam products.

Click here for the complete guide.

The September/October 2012 Digestive Aids Ingredient Guide breaks down the indication, ingredients, purpose and dosage of Tums, Di-Gel, Zantac, Pepcid AC, Prilosec OTC, Prevacid 24HR, Dulcolax, Senokot and Pepto-Bismol.

Click here for the complete guide.

DENVER — UrgentRx will be adding an allergy relief product to its portfolio of on-the-go OTC solutions in October, the company recently announced.

The new product, called Allergy Attack Relief to Go and formulated with 25 mg of diphenhydramine, will be available as a raspberry-flavored powder that will retail for a suggested $1.39.

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. — According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, 25 million adults and children across the country were diagnosed with rhinitis, or hay fever, within the last 12 months, which may lead many to believe they’ve caught an early-season cold.

PARIS — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a voice-guided injection device made by Sanofi for severe allergic reactions, the drug maker said Monday.

The French drug maker announced the approval of Auvi-Q (epinephrine), calling it the first epinephrine auto-injector with audio and visual cues that guides users through the injection process. Sanofi US licensed the North American commercialization rights to Auvi-Q from Intelliject, which has retained commercialization rights for the rest of the world.

SILVER SPRING, Md. — The Food and Drug Administration has approved several generic versions of a drug used to treat asthma and allergies, the agency said Friday.

The FDA announced the approval of montelukast sodium, a drug indicated for controlling asthma symptoms and relieving indoor and outdoor allergies.

The drug is a generic version of Merck's Singulair, which had sales of $4.6 billion in 2011, according to IMS Health.

While most people treat nasal allergy symptoms, they often ignore their itchy, red, watery eyes. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, approximately 40 million Americans have indoor/outdoor allergies as their primary allergy, and approximately 4% of allergy sufferers have eye allergies as their primary allergy. 


Already with a strong pedigree across eye care and ear care, Similasan recently launched its Kids Irritated Eye Relief for multisymptom relief from redness, burning, stinging and grittiness.