FDA Updates

A survey of new Rx, new generic, and new OTC products

Bumps, bruises, and scrapes happen - especially during the summer months when knees and elbows are bare and so much time is spent outdoors. Many first-aid products can help.

As Americans increasingly turn to vitamins and herbal supplements as alternatives to prescription drug use, medical professionals and government leaders worry that few realize the implications.

A survey of new Rx, new generic, and new OTC products

Our feet contain one-fourth of all the bones in our bodies, 33 joints, and a network of more than 100 tendons, muscles, and ligaments, to say nothing of blood vessels and nerves. Small wonder that foot ailments afflict millions of Americans. Fortunately, manufacturers offer an arsenal of relief.

On May 11th the news that Walgreens, partnering with Pathway Genomics, was going to offer customers a genetic testing kit made headlines almost as fast as a world peace announcement. Then Pathway received a letter of inquiry from the FDA, and Walgreens decided to halt the initiative until more clarity was reached. However, when genetic testing kits do become available at retail outlets, there will be a need for plenty of patient education, which pharmacists can best provide.

New OTC packaging intended to enhance patient safety began appearing on pharmacy shelves after a new rule for OTC internal analgesic, antipyretic, and antirheumatic drug products took effect on April 29, 2010.

A survey of new Rx, new generic, and new OTC products

More than 50 million Americans, including up to 40% of children, suffer from indoor and outdoor upper respiratory allergies. This year, several manufacturers have new offerings to control and treat asthma, allergy, and sinus symptoms.

Aging boomers and couch potatoes returning to spring outdoor activities need help for their aching backs, creaky joints, sore muscles, and headaches. Some new products designed to help have arrived on the market.

Eye and ear-care products are important to patients ranging from children with earaches to aging baby boomers with dry eyes.

A survey of new Rx and new OTC

Since February is National Children's Dental Health Month, it's an appropriate time to introduce new oral care products for children and adults.

A survey of new Rx, new generics, new indications, and new OTC

'Tis the seasons for coughs, colds, and sore throats. Americans are expected to spend $3.6 billion this season on OTC remedies, 1.7% more than last year. The upsurge is attributed to media exposure of swine flu and a tough economy that has more consumers trying OTC remedies before they see their doctors.

A survey of new Rx, new generics, new indications, and new OTC

A survey of new Rx, new indications, and new OTC

Retail pharmacy managers are discovering that many third-party administrators do not agree that their inventory information approval systems meet compliance requirements set by the Internal Revenue Service for customers' use of flexible spending accounts.

More than 23 million Americans, close to 8 percent of the population, have diabetes. For drugstores, the medical nature of their retail business makes them the outlet of choice for shoppers purchasing diabetes products. Retail pharmacists may choose to maximize patient awareness by placing their diabetes-care display and educational literature near the pharmacy counter.

Nearly a third of all Americans have trouble getting a good night's sleep. Although customers seeking OTC help this year will have to rely on the old stand-by, antihistamines, a few new products are available.

Working with healthcare professionals and the public, the FDA is developing new guidelines for prevention of medication misuse and abuse and other medication errors linked to preventable harm.

Schnucks Markets plans to get customers into its pharmacy departments with the addition of EyeSite vision-screening kiosks. Thirty kiosks were recently added to its grocery stores in the St. Louis area.

More than 60 million Americans experience heartburn at least once a month, and at least 25 million suffer on a daily basis. A Nielson study reported early in 2009 announced that 94 percent of patients are satisfied with their OTC remedies. The study estimated that OTC medications annually save patients an average total of $174 each in office visits and medication costs. Because of fewer patient visits top physicians, the study attributes $757 million in annual savings to the U.S. healthcare system.

A survey of new Rx and new OTC

The products pharmacists discuss most often with patients are oral pain-relief products, lip balms, and cold-sore preparations, according to an exclusive Drug Topics survey of pharmacists.

A survey of new Rx, new indications, new generics, and new OTC

Walgreens recently announced the release of its Specialty Pharmacy State of the Industry report. Keep reading to find out more.

Manufacturers, promoters, and sellers of dietary supplements are prohibited by law from making claims to treat or cure illness or disease, or their symptoms. Pharmacists should encourage patients to check with medical professionals before commencing use of any dietary supplement.