Retail Clinics

WOODMERE, Ohio — Health-and-wellness retailer Max-Wellness on Tuesday announced a series of initiatives that vastly will expand the reach of the upstart company.

Among them:

SILVER SPRING, Md. — The Food and Drug Administration is warning that long-term use of a class of drugs for gastroesophageal reflux disease may decrease levels of magnesium in the body and increase the risk of such side effects as seizures and heart rhythm problems, according to published reports.

The reports quoted the FDA as saying that in a quarter of cases of proton-pump inhibitors depleting magnesium from the body, use of magnesium supplements did not bring levels back to normal, and use of the drugs had to be stopped.

LOS ANGELES — Medical scrubs provider Cherokee Uniforms has announced that it is accepting nominations through May 31 for its annual Inspired Comfort Award, which recognizes those healthcare professionals, such as registered nurses and advanced practice nurses, who go above and beyond the call of duty to make a difference for their patients and the communities they serve.

DALLAS — A new study published in Hypertension: Journal of the American Heart Association established a link between high blood pressure and the consumption of such beverages as soda and other sugar-sweetened drinks.

HUDDINGE, Sweden — Meda has launched a new cold sore treatment made by commercialization partner Medivir, Medivir said Tuesday.

The Swedish drug maker launched Xerese (acyclovir and hydrocortisone), a topical combination product designed to treat recurrent herpes simplex labialis.

Medivir said the U.S. market for cold sore products is $230 million, and it expected the drug to be successful, given Meda’s presence in the U.S. market.

NEW YORK — Physicians are 30% more likely to prescribe a drug that gives patients incentives to remain adherent to it than they are to prescribe a drug without such a program, according to a new survey.

The survey of 100 doctors, sponsored by HealthPrize Technologies and conducted by pharmaceutical marketing firm HealthcarePanel.org, also found 89% of doctors were comfortable with the idea of rewarding patients for adherence, along with using education.

PITTSBURGH — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a treatment for shingles made by a subsidiary of generic drug maker Mylan.

Mylan announced Monday the approval of Matrix Labs’ gabapentin capsules in the 100-mg, 300-mg and 400-mg strengths. The drug is used to treat postherpetic neuralgia, a painful complication of shingles.

Gabapentin capsules had sales of about $300 million in 2010, according to IMS Health.

SILVER SPRING, Md. — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a new treatment for hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, the agency said Friday.

The FDA approved Takeda’s Edarbi (azilsartan medoxomil).