HEALTH

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — A new study released Thursday determined that directed use of Lansinoh HPA Lanolin results in a marked reduction of nipple pain associated with breast-feeding and in significantly higher healing rates of nipple trauma compared with application of expressed breast milk. The researchers concluded that “the current recommendation for any topical treatment of sore nipples during breast-feeding should be revised in favor of HPA lanolin.”

CINCINNATI — Procter & Gamble on Wednesday announced the launch of a national TV spot and Web videos starring actor Ken Jeong in support of its stomach remedy Pepto-Bismol.

"Under-indulgent tummies are as dead as a condemned disco club," stated Ken Jeong, an actor known for his roles in "The Hangover," "Knocked Up" and NBC's "Community." "Enjoying your holiday parties includes enjoying various meats and treats. Normal indulging is fine, and if you occasionally overdo it, Pepto has you covered," Jeong added.

CHADDS FORD, Pa. — Endo Pharmaceuticals has finished its acquisition of Qualitest Pharmaceuticals for $1.2 billion, Endo said Wednesday.

Endo had agreed to buy Qualitest, a privately owned manufacturer of generic drugs, on Dec. 28.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Independent pharmacists are hailing a move in Congress to exempt pharmacies from burdensome accounting requirements imposed by the Federal Trade Commission.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (Dec. 1) Gov. Jay Nixon, D-Mo., on Tuesday campaigned for a sweeping expansion of efforts to battle methamphetamine, including legislation that would make Missouri the third state in the nation to require a prescription for the cough-cold ingredient pseudoephedrine.

It’s not a new issue for the Show Me State — several local municipalities that fall between St. Louis and the Missouri capital of Jefferson City last year passed local ordinances that required prescriptions for PSE products.

NEW YORK — The charitable arm of the National Association of Chain Drug Stores held its 12th annual dinner in New York on Tuesday, which generated $1.76 million for research, charitable efforts and scholarships.

The NACDS Foundation said some of the funds were granted to those that sought to improve medication adherence -- understanding medication therapy and appropriately taking medications -- among patients. The foundation awarded a $1 million grant to National Consumer League’s public awareness campaign, which promotes medication adherence.

MILWAUKEE — Carma Labs on Wednesday announced two new limited-edition flavors: Carmex Lime Twist and Carmex Vanilla Click Sticks.

The new flavors will be available beginning in December 2010 for a limited time at special in-store displays exclusively at all Walgreens.

"Customers looking for a new flavor twist on a tried and true favorite will be excited about these two new flavors," stated Paul Woelbing, president of Carma Labs.

The new Lime Twist and Vanilla Click Sticks are rated an SPF of 15 to provide additional protection to the lips.

SIMI VALLEY, Calif. — Derma e Natural Bodycare, a manufacturer of natural skin care products, has announced the continued support of the nonprofit Special Olympics Southern California.

This year, in addition to contributing funds, Derma e supported Ventura County's 2010 Summer Dance that celebrated the completion of its summer games. The company donated skin care products with optimal levels of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and botanicals to help keep the athletes' skin healthy, nourished and protected while they played sports outdoors.