ReportersNotebook — Over the Counter, 12/10/12

SUPPLIER NEWS — Valeant Consumer Products recently announced that its line of Ocean Saline Nasal Sprays have been the most recommended by pharmacists for 15 years running. 


Ocean offers nonmedicated relief from dry and irritated nasal passages due to allergies, colds, flu, sinusitis and rhinitis. The nasal spray is gentle enough for infants and has three delivery options — standing the bottle upright delivers a spray; horizontally, a stream; and upside-down, a drop. 


The company’s Ocean Complete Sinus Rinse provides pre-mixed, easy to use 2-in-1 nasal saline therapy: a special nozzle for nasal sinus irrigation and a saline mist applicator for nasal moisturizing. It also is sterile 
and preservative-free.


The Food and Drug Administration’s Nonprescription Drugs Advisory Committee last month voted against Merck’s application to switch its Oxytrol patch from prescription-only to over-the-counter, citing concerns over use of therapy for an overactive bladder in women without a doctor’s intervention. 


The committee voted five in favor and six opposed. Proponents of the switch argued that women with overactive bladders may go years before consulting a physician and an OTC might encourage therapy. The FDA is expected to issue a decision on the switch application in January 2013.