Content about Common cold

May 31, 2012
House committee approves measure to restore OTC reimbursements under FSAs

The House Ways and Means Committee on Thursday approved the Restoring Access to Medication Act (H.R. 5842), which would repeal the provision of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act that disqualified expenses for over-the-counter drugs as eligible for reimbursement under health savings accounts and flexible spending arrangements without a prescription.

WASHINGTON — The House Ways and Means Committee on Thursday approved the Restoring Access to Medication Act (H.R. 5842), which would repeal the provision of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act that disqualified expenses for over-the-counter drugs as eligible for reimbursement under health savings accounts and flexible spending arrangements without a prescription.

May 29, 2012
Skin/Itch Relief

The May/June 2012 Skin/Itch Relief Ingredient Guide breaks down the indication, ingredients, purpose and dosage of Bio-Oil, AmLactin, Cetaphil Daily Advance, Zim's Crack Creme, Olay Advanced Healing, Curel Itch Defense, Benadryl Itch Relief Spray, Cortizone 10 and Neopsporin Eczema Essentials.

The May/June 2012 Skin/Itch Relief Ingredient Guide breaks down the indication, ingredients, purpose and dosage of Bio-Oil, AmLactin, Cetaphil Daily Advance, Zim's Crack Creme, Olay Advanced Healing, Curel Itch Defense, Benadryl Itch Relief Spray, Cortizone 10 and Neopsporin Eczema Essentials.

Click here for the complete guide.

April 2, 2012
Allergy Relief

The March/April 2012 Allergy Relief Ingredient Guide breaks down the indication, ingredients, purpose and dosage of Claritin, Allegra, Zyrtec, Benadryl, Alavert, Advil Allergy Sinus, Chlor-Trimeton Allergy, Hyland's Seasonal Allergy Relief and Similasan Nasal Allergy Relief.

The March/April 2012 Allergy Relief Ingredient Guide breaks down the indication, ingredients, purpose and dosage of Claritin, Allegra, Zyrtec, Benadryl, Alavert, Advil Allergy Sinus, Chlor-Trimeton Allergy, Hyland's Seasonal Allergy Relief and Similasan Nasal Allergy Relief.

Click here for the complete guide.

March 9, 2012
Kaz shows off hot/cold packs at ECRM's Cough & Cold and Allergy EPPS

In addition to a comprehensive line of Vicks-branded humidifiers and thermometers, Kaz featured a number of hot/cold packs last week at the ECRM Cough & Cold and Allergy EPPS.

LAS VEGAS — In addition to a comprehensive line of Vicks-branded humidifiers and thermometers, Kaz featured a number of hot/cold packs last week at the ECRM Cough & Cold and Allergy EPPS.

Among them was the Mind and Body Care by SoftHeat soothing gel mask that begins shipping in June. The specialty mask can either be heated for sinus relief or cooled for headache relief. In addition, the machine-washable cover includes a pocket for scent pads — two rosemary and one lavender scent packets are included in the package.

March 8, 2012
Vicks offers natural relief

This cough-cold season, Procter & Gamble showcased four new Vicks Nature Fusion products — traditional cough-cold-relieving medicines infused with honey.

CINCINNATI — This cough-cold season, Procter & Gamble showcased four new Vicks Nature Fusion products — traditional cough-cold-relieving medicines infused with honey. And while none of the Vicks formulations are for kids, the move toward a more natural remedy could be reflective of what’s happening over in the kids’ cough-cold space. With the safety and efficacy of cough-cold medicines called into question several years ago, that category is now stocked with homeopathic remedies and natural buckwheat honeys.

March 7, 2012
Homeostasis brings new line of homeopathic cough-cold items to retail pharmacy

Homeostasis Labs featured a line of homeopathic solutions for both adults and children at the ECRM Cough & Cold and Allergy EPPS.

LAS VEGAS — Homeostasis Labs featured a line of homeopathic solutions for both adults and children at the ECRM Cough & Cold and Allergy EPPS.

Specifically in the cough-cold space, Greenwich, Conn.-based Homeostasis fields three adult cough-cold products — allergy, cough and cold, and flu, along with one pediatric product: children's Homeostasis cough and cold.

According to company officials, the brand had been successfully test marketed across one major retailer and will be fully available beginning in April.

March 6, 2012
St. Joseph Consumer Health expands well-known aspirin brand into cough-cold

Annapolis, Md.-based St. Joseph Consumer Health last week unveiled a new St. Joseph-branded line of cough cold products formulated for patients with high blood pressure at the ECRM Cough & Cold and Allergy EPPS.

LAS VEGAS — Annapolis, Md.-based St. Joseph Consumer Health last week unveiled a new St. Joseph-branded line of cough-cold products formulated for patients with high blood pressure at the ECRM Cough & Cold and Allergy EPPS.

The products all feature "decongestant-free" on the package underneath the St. Joseph brand, long known for its 81-mg daily aspirin regimen. The lineup includes a multi-symptom day/night caplet formulation, two formulations targeting cold and flu symptoms and a cough tablet SKU.

March 1, 2012
Halo oral antiseptic spray named 'Best Product' at ECRM cough-cold event

Oasis Consumer Healthcare's Halo oral antiseptic on Wednesday evening received Best Product honors from ECRM for the 2012 Cough & Cold and Allergy EPPS conference.

LAS VEGAS — Oasis Consumer Healthcare's Halo oral antiseptic on Wednesday evening received Best Product honors from ECRM for the 2012 Cough & Cold and Allergy EPPS conference.

Shipping in July, Halo contains cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) in a patented formula that helps coat the back of the throat for up to six hours and helps to protect against airborne germs. According to company research, the recycled air in 67% of airplanes contain enough germs to get a person sick after a short flight.

February 17, 2012
Cough-cold, flu season just starting to move

As of early February, incidence of cough-cold and influenza still was relatively low, but the season has yet to peak and that means there could be demand for symptomatic relief through March.


As of early February, incidence of cough-cold and influenza still was relatively low, but the season has yet to peak and that means there could be demand for symptomatic relief through March.


“Fever is just starting to move,” noted Scott Hanslip, director of sales for IMS Consumer Health, in the first week of February. However, overall incidence of upper respiratory illness was down 7.5% from September through Jan. 21, 
according to IMS Health tracking.


February 17, 2012
Homeopathy stocks kids’ cough-cold

The kids’ cough-cold space has become a significant category for homeopathic manufacturers. With the safety and efficacy of cough-cold medicines called into question several years ago, the category now is stocked with homeopathic remedies and reformulated/repackaged allopathic medicines.


The kids’ cough-cold space has become a significant category for homeopathic manufacturers. With the safety and efficacy of cough-cold medicines called into question several years ago, the category now is stocked with homeopathic remedies and reformulated/repackaged allopathic medicines.


February 17, 2012
Strong allergy season ahead

A wet spring last year made for ideal allergen-
creating conditions heading into summer 2011 — the growth of ragweed and an increase in mold.

A wet spring last year made for ideal allergen-
creating conditions heading into summer 2011 — the growth of ragweed and an increase in mold. According to a Quest Diagnostics study published in 2011, sensitization to common ragweed has grown 15% nationally since 2000, while mold grew 12%. IMS Health projected a strong spring allergy season, especially across the north and northeast.


February 16, 2012
CMPI survey: 61 million workers avoided missing work, thanks to cough medicine

Results of a new survey released Thursday by the Center for Medicine in the Public Interest found that the majority of adult consumers and parents in the United States rely on over-the-counter cough medicines.

NEW YORK — Results of a new survey released Thursday by the Center for Medicine in the Public Interest found that the majority of adult consumers and parents in the United States rely on over-the-counter cough medicines: 68% of adult consumers agreed that OTC cough medicines allow them to stay productive at work and school, and 60% of parents reported that these medicines allowed their children to stay productive at school.

February 1, 2012
Vitamins & Supplements

The spring 2012 Vitamin & Supplement Ingredient Guide breaks down the indication, ingredients, purpose and dosage of Centrum Specialist Heart, One-A-Day Women's Petites, DRS Health Complete One, Megavite Fruits & Veggies, Cosamin ASU, Omojo Acne & Tissue Support, NatureMade Krill Oil, Feosol and Slo-Niacin.

The spring 2012 Vitamin & Supplement Ingredient Guide breaks down the indication, ingredients, purpose and dosage of Centrum Specialist Heart, One-A-Day Women's Petites, DRS Health Complete One, Megavite Fruits & Veggies, Cosamin ASU, Omojo Acne & Tissue Support, NatureMade Krill Oil, Feosol and Slo-Niacin.

December 15, 2011
DXM abuse down among high school seniors; overall Rx and Vicodin abuse up

Approximately 5.3% of high school seniors abused over-the-counter cough-cold medicines in the past month, according to the latest "Monitoring the Future" survey released Wednesday by the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

WASHINGTON — Approximately 5.3% of high school seniors abused over-the-counter cough-cold medicines in the past month, according to the latest "Monitoring the Future" survey released Wednesday by the National Institute on Drug Abuse. That's down from 6.6% of high school seniors who claimed to have recently abused cough-cold medicines last year.

November 29, 2011
Warmer winter weather could prompt slow cold season

The short-term forecast for cold weather items, including cold medicines, is that demand could be down as much as 15% without Jack Frost biting at everyone’s nose, according to analysis from Deutsche Bank published Monday.

NEW YORK — The short-term forecast for cold weather items, including cold medicines, is that demand could be down as much as 15% without Jack Frost biting at everyone’s nose, according to analysis from Deutsche Bank published Monday.

Weather Trends International estimates temperatures will be up 2 to 5 degrees warmer year-over-year, on average, over the balance of the year across the United States.

November 1, 2011
ProPhase launches Cold-Eeze oral spray

ProPhase Labs on Tuesday launched the Cold-Eeze oral spray, which is formulated with zinc gluconate to help reduce the severity and duration of the common cold.

DOYLESTOWN, Pa. — ProPhase Labs on Tuesday launched the Cold-Eeze oral spray, which is formulated with zinc gluconate to help reduce the severity and duration of the common cold.

October 26, 2011
Robitussin taps Peggy Fleming for new campaign

Robitussin has launched a new campaign in line with the start of the cold and flu season called the Simple Acts of Relief program.

MADISON, N.J. — Robitussin has launched a new campaign in line with the start of the cold and flu season called the Simple Acts of Relief program.

October 24, 2011
Cough, Cold and Flu Relief

The winter 2011 Cough, Cold and Flu Relief Ingredient Guide breaks down the indication, active ingredients, purpose and dosage of such allopathic and homeopathic OTC aids as Mucinex, DayQuil, Coricidin HBP, Advil Cold and Sinus, Theraflu, Delsym, Oscillococcinum, Hyland's Defend and Zicam.

The winter 2011 Cough, Cold and Flu Relief Ingredient Guide breaks down the indication, active ingredients, purpose and dosage of such allopathic and homeopathic OTC aids as Mucinex, DayQuil, Coricidin HBP, Advil Cold and Sinus, Theraflu, Delsym, Oscillococcinum, Hyland's Defend and Zicam.

Click here for the complete guide.

September 6, 2011
Inappropriate prescribing of antibiotics noted in new CDC report

The number of antibiotic prescriptions sought for acute respiratory infections decreased by 24% between 1993 and 2008, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's latest "Morbidity and Mortality Weekly" report.

ATLANTA — The number of antibiotic prescriptions sought for acute respiratory infections decreased by 24% between 1993 and 2008, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's latest "Morbidity and Mortality Weekly" report.

While this drop may be substantial, the CDC found that nearly 60% of antibiotic prescriptions for office visits among children ages 14 years and younger were for ARIs, most episodes of which do not require antibiotic therapy.

June 20, 2011
Hyland’s to ‘Defend’ adults from colds with new line

Hyland’s will attempt to parlay its success across its 4 Kids line of homeopathic solutions into the adult section with its recent launch of the Hyland’s Defend line.

NEW YORK — Hyland’s will attempt to parlay its success across its 4 Kids line of homeopathic solutions into the adult section with its recent launch of the Hyland’s Defend line. “We are seeing tremendous growth in our cold and cough 4 Kids,” noted Jay Borneman, chairman and CEO at Hyland’s. 


April 25, 2011
‘Defend’-ing against cold and cough

LOS ANGELES — Hyland’s is looking to parlay its success across its 4Kids line of homeopathic solutions into the adult section with the launch of the Hyland’s Defend line. The company already is recognized by parents for cold relief, with Hyland’s Cold & Cough 4Kids product sales growing by 250% per year, according to the company. 


SymphonyIRI Group has Hyland’s liquid cough-cold offerings at $5.6 million in sales across food, drug and mass (excluding Walmart) for the 52 weeks ended March 20 — up 388.4%.


March 4, 2011
Boiron websites place tools, info in mom's hands

Boiron this past fall administered an online makeover across its Oscillo.com site and introduced three additional Internet destinations: ChildrensOscillo.com, Chestal.com and ChildrensChestal.com. The new websites all feature helpful tips for staying healthy and offer Web visitors money-saving coupons.

February 25, 2011
Boiron notes illness levels continue to rise

Nearly 39 million people, or 12.5% of the U.S. population, are feeling the effects of cold and flu as high illness levels continued across the nation, Boiron stated Friday, citing SDI Health data.

NEWTOWN SQUARE, Pa. — Nearly 39 million people, or 12.5% of the U.S. population, are feeling the effects of cold and flu as high illness levels continued across the nation, Boiron stated Friday, citing SDI Health data.

Some of the most prevalent indications are fever and influenza-like symptoms, such as chills, body aches and headache.

February 18, 2011
Boiron reports illness levels rise 6.4%

Nearly 39 million people are feeling the effects of cold and flu as illness levels continue to climb across the nation, Boiron reported Friday.

NEWTOWN SQUARE, Pa. — Nearly 39 million people are feeling the effects of cold and flu as illness levels continue to climb across the nation, Boiron reported Friday.

The latest figures reflect an increase of 6.4% from last week. Some of the most prevalent indications are fever (10.8%) and influenza-like symptoms, such as chills, body aches and headache (22.2%).

February 18, 2011
Cough-cold marketer opts for app

MOUNT KISCO, N.Y. — Prestige Brands became one of the first cough-cold marketers to develop a branded smart-phone app to help moms hone in on the most appropriate 
PediaCare remedy for their sick children. It’s not a bad play; a recent Millennial Media report indicated that in 2010, 32% of moms owned a smart phone, versus 20% in 2009.