Content about Immune system

The May/June 2013 Skin/itch Relief Ingredient Guide breaks down the indication, ingredients, purpose and dosage of AmLactin Moisturizing Body Lotion, CeraVe Renewing SA Cream, Olay Advanced Healing, Curel Itch Defense, Vaseline Intensive Rescue, Tecnu Extreme, Benadryl ExtraStrength Spray and Allegra Anti-itch Cream.

While cough-cold season 2012-2013 will go down in the record books as one of the better seasons in recent memory, the spring allergy season has been delayed into May thanks to recent storm systems traveling across the central United States into the Northeast that have triggered a "faux spring." Temperatures rose briefly and dipped, causing pollen counts to grow and then fall.

For the 52 weeks ended April 21, sales of the three leading allergy tablets were all down: Zyrtec down by 3.8%; Claritin down 1.2%; and Allegra down 14.9%.

BASKING RIDGE, N.J. — Mylan Specialty is extending a marketing campaign around its line of emergency treatments for severe allergic reactions.

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.

NANUET, N.Y. — Allermates today announced it is introducing EpiPen, Auvi-Q and asthma inhaler carrying cases.

The cases come in colorful kid-friendly designs and include AllerMates characters. Each case comes with an emergency contact and medication information card. The EpiPen carrying case is insulated, and comes with an epinephrine auto-injector user guide. The cases, like all AllerMates products, are nickel-, lead-, latex-, BPA- and phthalate-free.

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.

MONMOUTH JUNCTION, N.J. — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a new drug for allergies in children made by Tris Pharma, the drug maker said Wednesday.

Tris announced the approval of Karbinal ER (carbinoxamine maleate) extended-release oral suspension in the 4 mg-per-five milliliter strength. The company said the drug was the first sustained-release histamine receptor blocking agent for seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis in children 2 and older.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid is offering free allergy screenings, information and a range of products as the allergy season approaches, the retail pharmacy chain said Tuesday.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Sam's Club will offer free allergy and health screenings at all of its stores that operate pharmacies, the club retailer said.

The screenings will take place late Saturday morning and into the afternoon, and include up to $200 worth of tests, including allergy screenings for milk, eggs, pet dander, mold, dust mites, wheat, ragweed, mountain cedar, Bermuda grass and Timothy grass, as well as tests for blood pressure, body mass index and vision.

WASHINGTON — Two nonprofit groups focused on asthma and allergies will merge to combine their efforts.

The Kids with Food Allergies Foundation will become a division of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, and the combined organization will provide education, advocacy, research, social networking and support for families living with the diseases. The groups' boards agreed to merge in 2012.

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."