December 2009 Drug News
- Vicks Nasal Spray Recall
The Procter & Gamble Company said Nov. 19 that it was voluntarily recalling three lots of its Vicks Sinex nasal spray in the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom.
The company said it is taking this precautionary step after finding the bacteria B. cepacia in a small amount of product made at its plant in Gross Gerau, Germany. There have been no reports of illness. However, the bacteria could cause serious infections for individuals with a compromised immune system, or those with chronic lung conditions, such as cystic fibrosis. B. cepacia poses little medical risk to healthy individuals.
The lot number of the product involved in the USA are: 9239028831. It is for the product Vicks Sinex Vapospray 12-Hour Decongestant Ultra Fine Mist, 15 ml., Nasal Spray. This lot number is listed on both the outer carton and the bottle. Consumers should simply discard the affected product as they would any OTC medicine.
Anyone who has this specific lot of this product can call P&G for a replacement coupon or refund at the following number:
From the United States, please call: 1.877.876.7881 (Hours of operation: Monday – Friday, 9AM – 6PM US ET, Saturday – Sunday, 9AM – 4PM US ET)
- Nicotine Patch, Lozenge Combo Best For Quitting Smoking: Study
A nicotine patch combined with a nicotine lozenge had the most success in helping smokers to quit, according to a study appearing in the Archives of General Psychiatry. More than other methods, including antidepressants, this combination best mimics the actual highs and lows of smoking to help smokers kick their habit, experts claimed. HealthDay
- Niacin Outperforms Zetia In Lowering Cardiovascular Risk: Study
Patients who added extended-release niacin (Niaspan) to their cholesterol-lowering statin regimens had a significantly greater reduction in carotid-artery plaque than those who added Zetia (ezetimibe), according to a study in the New England Journal of Medicine. The New York Times on the Web (Free Registration Required), Study
- PREVACID 15mg Switch to OTC Launches November 13
On November 13, 24HR Prevacid OTC 15MG became available for shipment. There will be three sizes: 14ct, 28ct, and 42 ct. Sales for this new OTC formulation are expected to exceed $425 million during the first year.
This is expected to be the second-largest RX-to-OTC switch of the last 18 months. Novartis, the supplier, is backing the launch with a major media campaign including TV, radio, print, and online advertising, plus professional detailing. It is backed by a $97 million advertising campaign, which will generate significant consumer demand.