Content about Medicine

LANDOVER, Md. — More than half of people with nasal allergies report problems sleeping, while slightly more than a third proactively treat their symptoms, according to a new survey.

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America and Teva Respiratory released results of the survey, showing sleeping problems among 59% of sufferers, while 48% said symptoms like congestion and sneezing interrupted a partner's sleep.

BASKING RIDGE, N.J. — The Foundation for Health Smart Consumers has announced a major expansion of its smoking cessation initiative through the Inspire Program, which will launch at the annual Retail Clinician Education Congress held in May in Las Vegas. The initial phase of Inspire will continue through 2014.

FRANKLIN LAKES, N.J. — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a second product in BD's new line of injectable drugs, the company said Tuesday.

BD Rx, the pharmaceutical arm of the medical technology manufacturer, whose name stands for Becton, Dickinson and Co., received FDA approval for metoclopramide, part of its BD Simplist line of ready-to-administer pre-filled generic injectables. The product is an antiemetic, a drug used to stop vomiting.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Unnecessary spending related to medications totaled nearly half a trillion dollars last year, and much of that was in the poorest states in the country, according to pharmacy benefit manager Express Scripts.

ESI said the country wasted $418 billion on bad medication-related decisions, including $55.8 billion spent on higher-priced medications when cheaper alternatives were available; and $269.4 billion went to expenses related to poor medication adherence.

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.

MINNEAPOLIS — More than half of allergy sufferers seek advice from pharmacists and doctors, a new survey by Target has found.

MONTCLAIR, N.J. — Say "hello" to a new personal care brand that is looking to turn the oral care segment on its head with exotic flavors like Pink Grapefruit Mint and creative packaging that is a far departure from the traditional oral care offerings.

If fat, sodium and partially hydrogenated oils were yesterday's undesirable ingredients, the substance many Americans are currently looking to avoid is gluten. A recent NPD survey found that about a third of U.S. adults say they want to cut down or be free of gluten in their diets. More people are being diagnosed with Celiac disease, but even consumers who have no gluten intolerance are opting to eat foods that are free of gluten because they perceive them as healthier.

ST. LOUIS — Westport Pharmaceuticals has been showcasing its Zephrex-D "meth-resistant" pseudoephedrine-based decongestant that is now available in retail stores throughout Missouri. It's a hot product as much for the sales generated, as for the sales not lost.

CHICAGO — Wrigley has entered the "energy" arena with Alert Energy Caffeine Gum. Each piece contains 40 mg of caffeine, the equivalent of a half cup of coffee. The company said the gum is targeted to adults who consume caffeine for energy and are looking for a "portable solution." The gum's bitter taste is designed to deter children from using it. The gum is available in eight-piece packs in fruit and mint flavors, and has a suggested retail price of $2.99.

One of the ways retailers help consumers realize their full healthcare value is through the kind of outcome management Safeway pharmacists adopted earlier this year to help people quit smoking. Safeway pharmacists have received specialized training — developed by the University of California San Francisco School of Pharmacy — that covers optimal smoking-cessation counseling techniques.

WASHINGTON — A report released yesterday by the Bipartisan Policy Center, entitled “A Bipartisan Rx for Patient-Centered Care and System-Wide Cost Containment,” contains a smart, forward-looking and no-cost recommendation that could save the government billions, the Generic Pharmaceutical Association said today.