Content about New Drugs & OTCs

BRIDGEWATER, N.J. — Chattem on Thursday announced the launch of Allegra Anti-Itch Cooling Relief Cream and Allegra Anti-Itch Intensive Relief Cream.

"We identified an opportunity in the topical anti-itch category and leveraged our experience with Allegra Allergy to introduce a new product for common skin irritations that not only helps stop the itch but also provides a moisturizing benefit," stated John Stroud, EVP marketing, Chattem. 

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Chattem on Tuesday introduced Cortizone 10 Poison Ivy Relief Pads featuring a new anti-itch format trademarked the Snapplicator. 

"The innovative packaging is the first of its kind for poison ivy relief," stated Liz Roques, assistant brand manager at Chattem. "The individual Snapplicators include a single treatment so consumers don't have to touch the affected area."

VISTA, Calif. — Astroglide on Tuesday announced the launch of its new Astroglide Sensitive Skin Gel, a thicker personal lubricant formulated without common ingredients known to irritate sensitive skin.

ROSEMONT, Pa. — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a drug for treating nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.

Drug maker Duchesnay USA said the FDA approved Diclegis (doxylamine succinate and pyridoxine hydrochloride) delayed-release tablets in the 10 mg/10 mg strength for NVP, more commonly known as morning sickness, in women who don't respond to conservative treatment. NVP is estimated to affect 70-85% of pregnant women, and symptoms range from nausea to severe vomiting and retching that can last throughout the day.

NORTH WALES, Pa. — Teva Pharmaceutical Industries has launched a generic opioid medication for treating pain, the company said.

Teva announced the introduction of oxymorphone hydrochloride tablets.

The drug is a generic version of Endo Pharmaceuticals' Opana and will be available in the 5 mg and 10 mg strengths in bottles of 100 tablets.

HYDERABAD, India — Dr. Reddy's Labs has launched zoledronic acid injection in the 5 mg-per-100-mL strength, the Indian generic drug maker Thursday.

The drug, launched following its approval by the Food and Drug Administration, is a generic version of Novartis' Reclast and is used to treat osteoporosis. Reclast had sales of $355 million during the 12-month period that ended in February, according to IMS Health.

PITTSBURGH — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a new drug for genital herpes made by Mylan, the drug maker said Wednesday.

Mylan announced the approval of acyclovir ointment in the 5% strength. The drug is a generic version of Valeant International's Zovirax, used to manage initial genital herpes and in limited, non-life-threatening mucocutaneous herpes simplex virus infections in patients with compromised immune systems.

MADISON, N.J. — The Natural Dentist has launched “Rinse for Relief,” an online resource for proper oral care aimed at cancer patients suffering from mouth sores and other oral ailments, the fourth most common side effect of chemotherapy treatments. The initiative included the unveiling of RinseForRelief.com and a giveaway of one free sample of Healthy Gums Mouth Rinse, an all-natural product that works as an effective daily cleanser and helps prevent and reduce gum bleeding and inflammation.

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — Just a week after the Supreme Court heard the Federal Trade Commission's lawsuit over its deal with AbbVie to sell a generic version of a testosterone-replacement therapy, Actavis is challenging the patent on another strength of the drug.

Actavis said Monday that it had filed with the Food and Drug Administration for approval of testosterone gel in the 1.62% strength. The drug is a generic version of AbbVie's AndroGel 1.62%. The case that went before the Supreme Court on March 25 concerns the 1% strength of AndroGel.

HYDERABAD, India — Dr. Reddy's has launched a drug for treating acne, the company said Friday.

The Indian generic drug maker announced the launch of Zenatane (isotretinoin) capsules in the 20-mg and 40-mg strengths. The drug is a therapeutically equivalent generic version of Roche's Accutane. The Food and Drug Administration also approved the drug in the 10-mg strength.

Various versions of the drug had sales of about $309 million during the 12-month period that ended in January, according to IMS Health.

PHOENIX — Vitamin Squeeze announced today the release of a full line of powdered water enhancers available in supermarkets nationwide.

Vitamin Squeeze Powder Water Enhancers come in eight flavors and three varieties:

• Multi-Vitamin (Fruit Punch, Acai Grape Pomegranate, Strawberry Watermelon and Lemonade);

• Energy (Black Cherry, Blood Orange and Blueberry Pomegranate Acai); and