Three trends you must know

1 Kids cough-cold The biggest question coming out of this year's cough-cold season is whether cold remedy marketers will be able to target parents with products indicated for children under 6. It is more than a $300-million question, the total market for kids cough-cold products as measured by Nielsen Group, because if those products are taken off shelves, it'll reduce the number of trips mothers make into drug store.

The decision likely is to come before next season -- Food and Drug Administration already officially banned use of cough-cold remedies in infants younger than 2. But there are no firm indicators as to which way FDA will side on this matter. The Food and Drug Administration advisory committees that debated issue split in their decision-making, slightly favoring banning use of the medicines in kids under 6 by a vote of 139. The sticking point for many of family practitioners and pediatricians on that Food and Drug Administration advisory panel was efficacy -- do these medicines work in kids or do not they?

The gut feeling at Drug Store News is that the FDA won't ban cold medicines in children under 6, if for no other reason than there is scant empirical evidence either way. Indeed, the Food and Drug Administration may request further clinicals before delivering a hard-and-fast decision.

The Consumer Healthcare Products Association already has promised to conduct pharmacokinetic studies on monographed kids cough-cold medicines to better determine proper dosing for kids, and even has committed to conducting efficacy studies, if that was found to be necessary.

But the real crux of issue is how do we discount decades of anecdotal efficacy and safety realized by parents in making their children feel better with these medicines? The answer is, you don't. Or, more accurately, we shouldn't. And that is because parents are more than likely to medicate their children under 6 with those medicines whether they are indicated for them or not. At least that is what a poll conducted on behalf of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found -- even after FDA's ban on cold medicines indicated for toddlers no older than 2, 64 percent of parents still considered these medicines either absolutely safe or somewhat safe. One-in-5 planned to ignore ban and medicate their babies, anyway.

The bottom line is that issue is not going away. And as the debate is reported in America's newspapers and aired on the morning news shows, there is a chance that more new parents ( conversely, 4-in-5 parents already have discontinued use of cold medicines for their toddlers ) will choose to travel the road of caution, scuttling cough-cold remedies for alternative solutions.

2 Alternative solutions . . . which of course, begs the question, what are those alternative solutions? Well, for kids under 2, that would be fever reducers. Coming out of last fall's meeting on children's cough-cold remedies, that was one kids OTC remedy that was still advocated by petitioners looking to pull the cough-cold products off shelves. Fever reducers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, were deemed appropriate to help alleviate a child's malaise by bringing their temperatures down. While fevers are rarely associated with colds in adults ( it is more often indicative of flu ) , fevers are common in kids with colds.

In addition to fever reducers, such nonmedicated products as saline nasal sprays or vitamin-C infused solutions are expected to benefit from debate over appropriate use of cold medicines in children. Integrated Beverage Group in January introduced its nonmedicated Throat Cooler, which contains vitamin C and honey, at ECRM Vitamin, Diet & Sports Nutrition conference in Destin, Fla. , as a possible alternative to help children feel better in lieu of cough-cold medicines, and it expects to continue that roll out at Cough, Cold and Allergy show also in Destin this month.

As part of an ad campaign expected to generate more than 100 million impressions, Throat Cooler will be featured on John Tesh Radio Show, which reaches 8 million listeners per day across 220 U. S. radio stations.

Similarly, homeopathic remedies may get a boost. Hyland's and other homeopathic marketers have been touting safety of homeopathic remedies as an alternative to conventional medicines.

Homeopathic remedies are safe and effective, even for children under the age of 2, stated Timothy Fior, vice president of Illinois Homeopathic Medical Association, during a press conference following FDA's advisory committee meeting on kids cough-cold remedies. " Homeopathy is very conducive to self-care, " he said, noting that there aren't same overdosing safety concerns with homeopathic remedies as there potentially are with synthetic medicines.

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" The voluntary withdrawal of household names in children's cold relief may cause many parents to believe that their children will have no alternatives in alleviation of cold symptoms, " Hyland's stated. " On contrary, safe, all-natural options exist in form of homeopathic medicines. "

3 Zyrtec was shipped to retailers in third week of January, heralding second of three next-generation antihistamines to cross over to over-the-counter status from prescription-only. That leaves only Sanofi-Aventis' Allegra as nonsedating antihistamine yet to make switch to nonprescription.

The new allergy remedy is expected to create plenty of awareness, if not for the hefty advertising expected to be placed behind launch by McNeil Consumer Healthcare, then for push managed care will take in switching their patients from an Rx allergy remedy to OTC.

Cigna HealthCare in January sent letters to patients alerting those who had filled Zyrtec prescriptions in the prior year that the remedy was now available OTC. Included in that mailing was a $5 coupon toward their first Zyrtec purchase.

And Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and its affiliated HMO Blue Care Network last month opted to include OTC version of Zyrtec in its prescription formularies -- maintaining co-pay coverage for a potential 2 million allergy sufferers. " Zyrtec OTC is available to Blue Cross members whose employers or groups have included this option in their benefit design, " the insurer stated. " These members should check with their benefits administrator to confirm if their plan will cover Zyrtec OTC . . . Blues members who decide to make a change still will need to get a prescription from their doctor for Zyrtec OTC. "

But that's not only reason retailers ought to be excited that Zyrtec is now on allergy shelves -- Schering-Plough is expected to step up its advertising to help stave off new allergy competitor.

The company last month signed a first-time sponsorship deal with NASCAR star and allergy sufferer Carl Edwards for 2008 Sprint Cup racing season, for starters.

Edwards, a member of the Roush Fenway Racing team and 2007 Busch Series champion, will drive No. 99 Claritin Ford Fusion during selected spring races, and Claritin branding will appear on his No. 99 Office Depot Ford Fusion and firesuit throughout season.

Edwards also will serve as spokesman for the Claritin Clear to Drive campaign, which emphasizes Claritin's nondrowsiness as a key point of differentiation versus the new Zyrtec competition.

Where to buy cheap medicine

Actos and our health.

uses of Actos

Actos is an anti-diabetic drug ( thiazolidinedione-type, also called " glitazones " ) used along with a proper diet and exercise program to control high blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes ( non-insulin-dependent diabetes ) . It works by helping to restore your body's proper response to insulin, thereby lowering your blood sugar. Effectively controlling high blood sugar helps prevent heart disease, strokes, kidney disease, blindness, and circulation problems, as well as sexual function problems ( impotence ) .

Actos is used either alone or in combination with other anti-diabetic medications ( e. g. , metformin, sulfonylureas, insulin ) .

how to use of Actos

Take Actos by mouth, with or without food, usually once daily, or as directed by your doctor. Dosage is based on your medical condition, response to therapy, and if we are taking other anti-diabetic drugs.

Use Actos regularly in order to get most benefit from it. Remember to use it at same time ( s ) each day. Monitor blood glucose levels on a regular basis.

It may take up to 2 to 3 months before full benefit of Actos takes effect.

Take all other medications for diabetes as directed by your doctor.

side effects of Actos

See also Warning section.

Sore throat, muscle pain, or tooth problems may occur while use Actos. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed Actos because he or she has judged that benefit to we is greater than risk of side effects. Many people using Actos don't have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur:

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur:

Actos usually does not cause low blood sugar ( hypoglycemia ) , but this effect may occur while use Actos if we do not consume enough calories ( from food, juices, fruit, etc. ) . The symptoms include chills, cold sweat, dizziness, drowsiness, shaking, rapid heart rate, weakness, headache, fainting, tingling of the hands or feet, or hunger. It's a good habit to carry glucose tablets or gel to treat low blood sugar. If we are in a situation where we do not have these reliable forms of glucose, eat a quick source of sugar such as table sugar, honey, or candy, or drink a glass of orange juice or non-diet soda to quickly raise your blood sugar level. Tell your doctor immediately about reaction. To help prevent hypoglycemia, eat meals on a regular schedule and don't skip meals.

Symptoms of high blood sugar ( hyperglycemia ) include thirst, increased urination, confusion, drowsiness, flushing, rapid breathing, or fruity breath odor. If these symptoms occur, tell your doctor immediately. Your medication dosage may need to be increased.

A serious allergic reaction to Actos is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include:

This isn't a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

precautions of Actos

Before taking Actos, tell your doctor or pharmacist if we are allergic to it; if you're allergic to other " glitazones " ( e. g. , rosiglitazone ) ; or if we have any other allergies.

Actos shouldn't be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have:

Before using Actos, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

You may experience blurred vision, dizziness, or drowsiness due to extremely low or high blood sugar levels; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery.

Limit alcohol while taking Actos because it can increase risk of developing hypoglycemia.

During times of stress, such as fever, infection, injury or surgery, it may be more difficult to control your blood sugar. Consult your doctor, as a change in your medication may be required.

Actos may increase risk of bone fracture ( e. g. , upper arm, hand, foot, ankle ) in female patients. To lower chance of getting injured, use caution when doing activities such as contact sports.

Actos can cause changes in menstrual cycle ( ovulation ) in women with certain fertility problems. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about the use of reliable birth control while taking this medication.

Actos should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss risks and benefits with your doctor. Your doctor may substitute insulin for Actos during your pregnancy. Follow all instructions carefully.

It's not known whether Actos passes into breast milk. Breast-feeding while using Actos isn't recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

interactions of Actos

Your healthcare professionals ( e. g. , doctor or pharmacist ) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring we for it. Do not start, stop or change dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.

Before using Actos, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products we may use, especially of:

Actos may decrease effectiveness of birth control pills. This can result in pregnancy. We may need to use an additional form of reliable birth control while using Actos. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details.

Beta-blocker medications ( e. g. , metoprolol, propranolol, glaucoma eye drops such as timolol ) may prevent the fast/pounding heartbeat we would usually feel when your blood sugar level falls too low ( hypoglycemia ) . Other symptoms of low blood sugar such as dizziness, hunger, or sweating are unaffected by these drugs.

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using Actos, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products we use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share list with your doctor and pharmacist.

FDA approved Actos

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