5 Over-the-Counter Medical Products Hitting the Market
By Brett Dworski on Nov. 06, 2018CHICAGO -- Over-the-counter (OTC) medical products are essential to convenience stores. When consumers are feeling under the weather, their local c-store can be a handy source of cold and fever remedies, creams, pain relievers and other nonprescription products.
Here are five OTC medical products hitting the market …
1. Nicotac
Lil’ Drug Store Products Inc., Cedar Rapids, Iowa, has added Nicotac, a nicotine gum, to its portfolio of health and wellness brands. This gum, which shipped exclusively to convenience stores earlier this summer, aims to help the estimated 22 million adult smokers who say they want to quit smoking each year, according to Lil’ Drug.
Nicotac comes in two nicotine strengths: 2 milligrams and 4 milligrams, both of which are available in fruit, mint and cinnamon flavors. The product is packaged in 10-count assortments for a suggested retail price of $4.99.
2. TSW Pain Cream
Sandusky, Ohio-based Rising Biosciences Inc., a research and development company focusing on oral and topical pharmaceuticals, has received FDA approval for an OTC version of its TSW Pain Cream. The cream contains plant-based ingredients such as menthol, curcumin and ginger. It aims to reduce inflammation and ease joint, back and muscle pain.
3. Bose Hearing Aid
Framingham, Mass.-based audio-device manufacturer Bose Corp. recently received FDA clearance for its first OTC hearing aid. This marks the first FDA-authorized hearing aid that allows users to fit, program and control the device without help from a healthcare provider.
The Bose Hearing Aid is a wireless amplifier placed in the ear canal that can be adjusted through a smartphone app. Despite its OTC clearance, the FDA requires Bose to comply with federal and state laws regarding the sale of hearing aids, including ones requiring these devices to be purchased from a licensed hearing-aid dispenser.
4. Imodium Multi-Symptom Relief
OTC pharmaceutical manufacturer Perrigo Co., Allegan, Mich., will launch its private-label equivalent of Imodium Multi-Symptom Relief, a common medication for diarrhea, bloating, pressure and cramps. Perrigo is finalizing plans to launch the 2-milligram tablet sometime during the fourth quarter of 2018.
5. Adherium's Hailie
Adherium, a New Zealand-based health technology company, has been granted FDA approval to launch its Hailie sensor in the United States. Formerly known as the Smartinhaler, a Hailie sensor is an OTC device that attaches to a patient's asthma inhaler and allows users to set reminders, track their medication usage and share data with their physician via a mobile app. The product is designed to help patients achieve better adherence and provide visibility to parents and caregivers, according to Adherium.