The majority of OTC purchases are made in chain drug, according to an online survey of more than 900 AccentHealth viewers conducted in September. No fewer than 47% of AccentHealth viewers make their purchases there, followed by mass outlets (33%) and grocery stores (12%). Less than 3% seek out OTC products in the dollar store, local drug store and club store, respectively. And only 1% make that OTC purchase online.

More and more, consumers are turning to OTCs as the first line of defense when they first get sick — regardless of the condition suffered — and that appears to be consistent among AccentHealth viewers. According to an online survey of more than 900 AccentHealth viewers conducted in September, one-quarter of patients said they have increased their use of OTC products in the past year.

Hebron USA on Monday announced the launch of the Florax DS, a line of ready-to-drink probiotics that doesn't require refrigeration.

RetailMeNot.com, the largest online coupon site in the U.S., has announced the launch of its newest iPhone Coupons app featuring location-specific coupons as well as expiring and new coupon notifications. These new features will allow consumers to find hundreds of deals at nearby malls this year making their holiday shopping that much easier.

Drug maker Shire has started a research program focused on rare diseases and their effects on patients and healthcare professionals, the company said Monday.

Over-the-counter medications continue to gain in popularity among consumers, who — whether as a matter of cost savings or convenience — are increasingly turning to OTCs to treat their conditions, including both acute, episodic conditions like the common cold and such chronic conditions as frequent pain and allergy. 


As part of the cleanup and relief effort in the wake of Hurricane Sandy, one New York City public school teacher is trying to do her part to help moms bring some normalcy back into their lives.

Absorption Pharmaceuticals recently launched Promescent, an over-the-counter lidocaine-based spray indicated for premature ejaculation.

One important finding from a recent online survey of more than 900 AccentHealth viewers conducted in September confirmed that more patients continue to embrace the community pharmacy as a preferred destination for flu vaccinations. Nearly 1-in-4 said they have received or plan to receive a flu shot this year in a retail pharmacy setting — up four percentage points from a year ago.

While there is still plenty of room for improvement, a growing number of patients have either already received or plan to receive a flu shot this year compared to one year ago. According to an online survey of more than 900 AccentHealth viewers conducted in September, 57% of patients have received or plan to receive a flu shot this year, versus 53% in 2011. 


Rx Response, an initiative of America’s bio-pharmaceutical supply system to help ensure the continued flow of medicine to patients in a severe public health emergency, has continued its close coordination with federal, state and local government agencies to address impacts from Hurricane Sandy on the bio-pharmaceutical supply system, the organization announced Friday.

Ranir, a maker of consumer oral and personal healthcare products, is unveiling its rebranding at the PLMA’s 2012 Private Label Trade Show in Chicago Nov. 10 to 13.