Reformulated Patches Deemed Seaworthy
The popular scopolamine skin patches to control seasickness are returning to the market after a three-year reformulation effort by the manufacturer, Novartis.
The patches were taken off the market in 1994 because of fears that the medication could crystallize, which could result in dosages that were too high or too low. The reformulated product avoids that possibility. In the process of relaunching the product, Novartis applied for--and received--Food and Drug Administration approval to market the patches for preventing the nausea that can accompany pregnancy or anesthesia for surgery.
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New and Improved Rogaine: The FDA has approved a new version of Rogaine that improves upon the older formulation, helping bald men grow 45% more hair than with the original Rogaine.
The product is called Rogaine Extra Strength and is available without a prescription. The new product is only for men because it causes additional facial hair. The stronger version may also cause scalp irritation.
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Nasal Spray Is OK for Kids: Flonase, a popular prescription nasal spray for allergy sufferers, has been approved for the treatment of children 4 years and older.
While doctors were free to prescribe the medication to children, previously there was no information to clarify whether Flonase was safe and effective in children. The FDA clearance was based on data collected from 500 children.
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Childhood Asthma: A new anti-inflammatory corticosteroid medication designed to prevent asthma attacks in children has been cleared for marketing by the FDA.
Flovent Rotadisk, which comes in two doses, represents a growing philosophy that children with asthma need early intervention with inhaled corticosteroids to control inflammation in the lungs.
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Fruit and Veggies in a Pill: Here’s a new wrinkle on nutritional supplements: a tablet containing many of the nutrients found in fruits and veggies. Fruggies, which are sweet, chewable tablets, spring from the recommendation that people should consume five servings a day of fruits and vegetables (which about 77% of Americans fail to do). The manufacturer targeted the nutrients of 27 different fruits and veggies for the supplement, including ample vitamin A, vitamin C, iron and calcium. Fruggies, which sells for $14.97 for 60 tablets (a one-month supply), is available only through mail order at Aloes International Inc.: (800) 330-2563.
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The Associated Press contributed to this report.
