IPC, Ranger Ready Repellents partner to prevent tick and insect-borne illness
Independent Pharmacy Cooperative members can now augment their front end with another insect repellent through a new supply agreement. IPC Pharmacists now have access to Ranger Ready, a premium safe and effective body-worn repellent that protects against ticks, mosquitos, and biting insects.
Using the active ingredient Picaridin 20%, the safe and effective alternative to DEET, Ranger Ready is safe for everyday use by children older than 1 year old, adults, and during pregnancy, and provides protection from ticks, mosquitos, and biting insects for up to 12-hours, the company said. Additionally, the fine-mist spray bottles are non-aerosol and 100% recyclable.
“Community pharmacies are perfectly positioned to provide and recommend safe and effective repellents,” said Dean Slaugenhoup, IPC vice president of purchasing and contracts. “We chose to work with Ranger Ready Repellents because we believe we can make a difference together.”
Patients tend to turn to pharmacies for post-bite treatment of insect bites. However, a growing number of pharmacists around the country are focused on preventing insect bites that cause serious illnesses, and research indicates that families are becoming more aware and more concerned with safely avoiding and protecting themselves from bites.
“My patients and customers are always looking for a better alternative to DEET — something that is as effective but less toxic, and something that actually works,” said Mona Ghattas, IPC board member, past president of the New Mexico Pharmacist’s Association, and owner of Duran Central Pharmacy in Albuquerque, N.M., and who has carried Ranger Ready since the beginning of 2019. “When someone asks about insect repellents, my pharmacists are very excited that they can point directly to Ranger Ready. Having Ranger Ready in my pharmacy is a no brainer.”
“I meet pharmacists every day who know they can do more than dispense doxycycline to treat Lyme disease, or sell after-bite solutions,” said Evan Kesten, director of sales at Ranger Ready. “Pharmacists have discovered the benefits of Picaridin 20% in Ranger Ready and have started educating their patients about safe and effective personal protection measures against insect bites.”
Ranger Ready Repellents are available in Scent Zero, Amber, Ranger Orange, and Night Sky scents. They come in fine mist spray bottles of 3.4 oz., 5 oz., 8 oz. and 24 oz. The bottles can spray 360 degrees. Ranger Ready is made in Norwalk, Conn.